Rapper Vedan held, ganja seized from flat

Kochi: In yet another incident of the state enforcement authorities targeting celebrities as part of the campaign against drugs, rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan, was arrested by police on Monday. He was released on bail. Meanwhile, forest department officials took him into custody later after a leopard tooth was recovered from him.

Forest sources said that non-bailable charges will be invoked against him. They will verify whether the tooth was connected to any instance of hunting or trading.

Earlier in the day, Hill Palace police raided an apartment in Vyttila where Murali and eight others were gathered as part of preparations for his music events. Police seized nearly 6g of ganja from the apartment, which is only a small quantity as per the NDPS Act, making it a bailable offence.

According to officers attached to Hill Palace police, the group was under the scanner for a while, and the flat was raided based on confidential information. Police seized Rs 9.50 lakh and mobile phones in the raid. The money was reportedly the funds given to them as payment for their shows.

Police sources said that the ganja was found on a table in the apartment and not from anyone specific. The accused were released on bail after a medical examination.

Murali shot to fame following his hit ‘Voice of the Voiceless' rap video. He is also famous for the ‘Kuthanthram' song in the film Manjummel Boys.

Vedan's event cancelled

The performance of rapper Vedan, which was scheduled to be held at Vazhathope, Cheruthoni, in Idukki on Tuesday as part of the state govt's fourth anniversary celebrations, was cancelled following his arrest. The district administration officials announced the cancellation at a news conference.

Vedan was in the news when he urged youngsters not to use synthetic drugs and warned them about its negative impacts.