Rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known by his stage name Vedan, was arrested on Monday, April 28, after nearly six grams of ganja was seized from a rented apartment where he was rehearsing. The Hill Palace police arrested Vedan and eight others from the apartment near Kochi‘s Vyttila based on a tip-off.
According to the Hill Palace police Circle Inspector, the ganja was seized from the table in the apartment and not from the personal possession of any individual.
Police said that Vedan and the others admitted to consuming the substance, and they will undergo medical examination. Apart from ganja, Rs 9.5 lakh in cash and several mobile phones were also seized from the flat. The money, the arrested individuals said, was the payment received for their stage show, which was to be divided among teammates.
However, police said that the source of such a large amount of cash will be further probed for verification.
The apartment, police said, was rented by a talent management company, and was being used by Vedan and his team for practice sessions. At the time of the raid, nine people, including Vedan, were found resting in the apartment. All nine individuals have been arrested.
Police added that Vedan and his team had been under surveillance for the past few days. Police also confirmed that Vedan will be booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Given the minimal quantity seized, he may be released on station bail after interrogation.
Meanwhile, following the arrest, the Kerala government has dropped Vedan’s upcoming performance at the state's fourth annual celebration event in Idukki. Officials confirmed that the decision was taken in light of the ongoing drug use allegations against him.
A native of Thrissur, Vedan gained popularity with his rap video ‘Voice of the Voiceless’ and had recently collaborated with music director Sushin Shyam for the promo song ‘Kuthanthram’ for Chidambaram‘s film Manjummel Boys.
Police said that further investigation is underway, including tracing the source of the ganja recovered.
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