Malayalam rapper Hirandas Murali, known as Vedan, was formally arrested on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, by Thrikkakara police in Kochi in connection with a rape case. The arrest followed an extended round of questioning after a marathon interrogation the previous day. However, since Vedan had already secured anticipatory bail from the Kerala High Court on August 27, he was expected to be released after completing medical examinations and other legal formalities.

According to court directions, Vedan appeared before the investigation team at 9 a.m.. The arrest was formally recorded around 12:15 p.m. after questioning that resumed from the previous day. A police source stated that the arrest was recorded after a thorough interrogation using a special questionnaire, and they have obtained digital evidence supporting the allegations.

The case originates from a complaint filed by a woman doctor who alleged that Vedan befriended her on Instagram in 2021 and promised to marry her. The complainant alleged that under the false promise of marriage, Vedan sexually assaulted her multiple times between 2021 and 2023 in Kozhikode, Kochi, and other locations. She also claimed that they briefly lived together and that she financially supported him, including contributing towards his debut album and travel expenses. In addition, she alleged that he collected money from her on the pretext of releasing a song.

The complainant opposed Vedan's bail plea, claiming he had deceived other women as well. However, the High Court ruled that each case must be examined separately. Vedan's counsel argued that the relationship was consensual and began after the woman approached him as a fan, adding that the case arose from personal differences.

Police had earlier issued a lookout notice for Vedan, fearing he might leave the country after absconding when the case came to light. Since then, other women have also leveled similar accusations. The Ernakulam Central police have also registered another case against Vedan following a sexual harassment complaint by a music researcher, for which his bail plea is still pending before the court. Earlier this week, a local court granted him anticipatory bail in another case filed by a different complainant.

While granting him anticipatory bail, the High Court had observed that his custodial interrogation was not needed, although the charges against him were of a serious nature. A senior police officer said that after the medical examination, some more interrogation will be carried out, and necessary procedures need to be completed before his release on bail. The police have stated that the investigation will proceed in its normal course.