Malayalam rapper Vedan faces fresh sexual assault allegations ahead of bail hearing

As the Kerala High Court readies to consider his anticipatory bail plea on Monday, Malayalam rapper Hirandas Murali, widely known as Vedan, faces a new wave of sexual assault allegations.

Two women, both PhD scholars, have submitted complaints to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging separate incidents of assault in December 2020 and 2021.

The Chief Minister is expected to forward their petitions to the state police for further investigation.

Vedan has been on the run since late July after a rape case was filed against him by a young doctor in Thrikkakkara. She alleged he sexually abused her multiple times between 2021 and 2023 under the false promise of marriage.

The complaint also accused him of borrowing money and causing severe emotional distress during the relationship.

Police had earlier issued a lookout notice to prevent Vedan from leaving the country, forcing the cancellation of a live performance scheduled for August 10.

While the rapper has dismissed the allegations as attempts to tarnish his image, police said the fresh complaints would be thoroughly examined.