Kerala rapper Vedan faces fresh sexual harassment complaints amid rape case
Kozhikode: Kerala-based rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan, is facing fresh allegations of sexual harassment while remaining absconding in connection with an ongoing rape case.
According to official sources, two women have recently submitted email complaints to the Chief Minister’s Office accusing Vedan of making sexual advances in 2020.
One complainant stated that she met Vedan on December 20, 2020, during her research work, when he allegedly attempted to harass her in a room. She managed to escape but claimed she abandoned her research after being traumatised by the incident.
The second complainant alleged that she met Vedan at a friend’s residence and was initially drawn to him because of his songs and political views. She accused him of harassing her on multiple occasions.
Both women had earlier shared their experiences on social media during the Me Too movement in 2021 but decided to lodge formal complaints after a recent sexual assault case was registered against him at Thrikkakara police station.
Police have said that Vedan allegedly assaulted a doctor multiple times between 2021 and 2023. A lookout notice has been issued after officers failed to trace him.
Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court on Monday heard arguments on Vedan’s anticipatory bail plea. The victim’s counsel submitted that Vedan had engaged in similar behaviour with other women and that additional complaints were filed against him. Vedan’s lawyer argued that the relationship was consensual and claimed that the rape charges “would not stand.”
The court will continue hearing the petition along with the government’s response on Tuesday.
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Rickelton's ton in vain as SRH beat MI by 6 wickets
Mumbai (PTI): Ryan Rickelton's whirlwind unbeaten ton was overshadowed by Heinrich Klaasen's unbeaten 65 as Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets in an IPL match here on Wednesday.
Chasing an imposing 244-run target, Travis Head (76 off 30) and Abhishek Sharma (45 off 24) shared 129 runs for the opening wicket to set the platform for SRH.
Klaasen (65 not out off 30 balls) then displayed his all-round hitting abilities to guide SRH home with the help of Nitish Kumar Reddy (21) and Salil Arora (30 not out off 10) in 18.4 overs.
Earlier, Rickelton's knock powered MI to 243 for five.
MI rode on a 93-run stand between Rickelton (123 not out off 55 balls) and Will Jacks (46 off 22) in 7.1 overs for the opening stand to power the side.
MI skipper Hardik Pandya scored a valuable 31 off 15 balls before being dismissed.
Praful Hinge (2/54), Eshan Malinga (1/29), Sakib Hasan (1/39) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1/31) were the wicket-takers for SRH.
Brief Scores:
Mumbai Indian: 243 for 5 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 123 not out; Praful Hinge 2/54).
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 249 for 4 in 18.4 overs (Travis Head 76, Heinrich Klaasen 65 not out; AM Ghazanfar 2/51).
