The Kerala High Court on Wednesday extended until August 25 the interim order protecting rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan, from arrest in a rape case.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, who had earlier granted interim protection, passed the order while hearing the artist’s anticipatory bail plea.
The complainant, a doctor, alleged that Vedan established a sexual relationship with her under the pretext of marriage but later retracted his promise. She further accused him of subjecting her to repeated sexual harassment between 2021 and 2023.
Her counsel informed the court that the rapper had faced similar allegations in the past and criticised the investigating agency for allegedly failing to place crucial evidence, including WhatsApp messages, on record. It was also pointed out that Vedan publicly celebrated his birthday even after a lookout notice had been issued against him.
Justice Thomas observed during the hearing that a promise of marriage by itself does not constitute a criminal offence. He also noted that Facebook posts cannot be automatically treated as evidence.
The court granted the complainant time until August 25 to file additional documents in support of her case.
