Kerala Rapper Vedan Arrested After Ganja Seizure in Kochi Apartment

On April 28, 2025, Kerala rapper Hirandas Murali, known as Vedan, was arrested by Hill Palace police after approximately six grams of ganja were recovered from his apartment near Vyttila in Kochi.

The seizure followed a tip-off, and Vedan had reportedly returned to the apartment with eight friends after a stage show the previous night.

Police officials said, “He will be booked as per the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act after the interrogation is completed.”

Given the small quantity involved, he may be released on station bail. Authorities noted that more details regarding the seizure would be shared soon.

A native of Thrissur, Vedan is well-known for his viral rap video Voice of the Voiceless and for collaborating with music director Sushin Shyam on the promo track Kuthanthram for the hit film Manjummel Boys.

Forest Department Custody Over Leopard Tooth

Just hours after being released on bail in the ganja case, Vedan was taken into custody by the Forest Department in connection with a leopard tooth found during the police search.

Kerala Forests Minister A K Saseendran confirmed this, stating that police had informed the department upon discovering the item.

“On finding that it was a leopard tooth, the department registered a case and took him into custody. An investigation has been launched to find out where he got the tooth from. Once the probe is over, a report will be placed before the court which will take a decision,” said the minister.

The Forest Department had already been observing Vedan due to earlier reports. During questioning, Vedan first claimed the tooth was from Thailand but later said it was a gift from a fan in Chennai during a May 2024 event.

Details of the Drug Case

Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya confirmed that the investigation into the source of the drugs was underway.

Vedan and eight others were arrested after five grams of dried ganja and associated equipment were recovered. Police also seized mobile phones and around ₹9.5 lakh in cash. All were released on station bail.

“The apartment is a place where the rapper and his team meet for practice. They have admitted that they were using ganja. We have seized 6 gm ganja. Their phones and around Rs 9.5 lakh have also been seized. They said the amount was remuneration for a show they did,” the police added, noting that the claim was under verification.

Medical examinations and legal formalities are expected to follow. This arrest came shortly after a ₹2 crore drug bust involving hybrid ganja.

Broader Context in Kerala’s Drug Crackdown

The arrest came a day after Malayalam directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamsa were detained with 1.63 grams of hybrid ganja in Kochi.

They were also released on station bail. Earlier, actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested in a similar case after escaping from a hotel raid.

Vedan’s case is particularly controversial as he has frequently spoken against drug abuse in his shows, earning him a following among youth.

However, this incident has placed him at the centre of Kerala’s intensifying war on drugs in the entertainment industry.

Legal Trouble Over Wildlife Possession

The leopard tooth case could carry more severe legal consequences than the ganja charge.

Possession of leopard parts, even unknowingly, is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, as leopards are classified under Schedule I. Violations may lead to imprisonment of three to seven years.

According to Forest Department officials, Vedan’s locket was allegedly gifted by a Sri Lankan Tamil fan named Ranjith Kumbidi. Vedan’s mother is also of Sri Lankan Tamil origin, a detail the authorities are reportedly considering significant.

The department is expanding its investigation to determine the origin of the tooth and identify others involved. A jewellery shop in Thrissur where the pendant was made is also under scrutiny.

Controversial Comparison and Social Media Debate

Social media users have highlighted the disparity in how wildlife-related charges are handled.

Actor Mohanlal has faced legal proceedings since 2011 after elephant tusks and ivory items were found during an income tax raid.

Despite the case dragging on, the Kerala government issued a no-objection certificate in 2020 to withdraw the charges. However, the High Court stayed the trial in 2023.

Critics argue Vedan, from a marginalized background, may be receiving unequal treatment. They point to government amnesty schemes, such as Karnataka’s 2024 policy allowing surrender of wildlife articles without penalty.