HC grants anticipatory bail to Vedan in rape case under special conditions

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to rapper Vedan (Hirandas Murali) in a rape case. The court granted bail with special conditions. He has been directed to appear before the investigating officer on September 9. The verdict was pronounced by Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas. The complaint against Vedan is that he abused her on the pretext of marriage. The case was registered by the Thrikkakara police. Vedan went into hiding after this. The court has directed that Vedan should not be arrested until the final order is issued.

The complainant had strongly opposed Vedan's plea. The complainant's explanation was that she delayed in filing the complaint due to depression. However, the court asked whether she had gone to work during this time. The court also asked Vedan whether he was in a relationship with many. Vedan's lawyer told the court that he got into another relationship after the connection with the complainant ended.

The lawyer had pointed that Vedan’s withdrawal from marriage had damaged the mental health of the survivor. Many women had raised similar complaints. However, the court directed to argue from the limits of own case. A decision will be taken based on the documents before the court. Baseless arguments based on social media posts, etc cannot be considered. The court had also verbally told the complainant's lawyer to be careful not to go beyond the limits of the law. The court had also held that withdrawal from marriage is not sufficient to charge him with criminal charges.