Malayalam Rapper Vedan Arrested After Ganja Seized From Kochi Flat; 3rd Celebrity Held In Two Days

During the search at the rented flat where Vedan and his associates were reportedly rehearsing, police confiscated five grams of dried cannabis and smoking paraphernalia.

Vedan, originally from Thrissur, reportedly admitted to using the drug during questioning

Source : ABPLIVE AI

Malayalam rapper and lyricist Vedan, whose real name is Hirandas Murali, was detained along with eight others after police recovered a small quantity of ganja from an apartment in Tripunithura, Kochi on Monday. Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement officials raided the rented flat where Vedan and his associates were reportedly rehearsing.

During the search, police confiscated five grams of dried cannabis and smoking paraphernalia. Authorities also seized mobile phones and Rs 9.5 lakh in cash, which Vedan claimed was payment from a recent music performance.

Vedan, originally from Thrissur, admitted to using the drug during questioning, according to police sources, as per a report on PTI. All nine individuals were subjected to medical checks and later released on station bail. A formal investigation has been launched to trace the source of the narcotics.

Leopard Tooth In Rapper's Chain? 

Adding a twist to the case, forest department officials were alerted after what appeared to be a leopard’s tooth was found attached to a chain worn by the rapper. While Vedan initially claimed it was purchased in Thailand, he later said it was a gift from a fan at a Chennai event in May 2024. Officials are now working to verify the authenticity and origin of the item, which could potentially involve wildlife law violations.

The arrest of Vedan, who has often used his platform to speak against drug abuse during his shows, has sparked widespread public interest and concern—particularly as it follows similar recent incidents involving prominent figures in Kerala’s film industry. Following this, his performance scheduled for the fourth anniversary of CM Pinarayi Vijayan's government had been called off, as reported by Deccan Herald. 

Just a day earlier, noted Malayalam filmmakers Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamsa were apprehended with hybrid cannabis in Kochi and released on bail. Actor Shine Tom Chacko was also booked recently in a separate drug case after fleeing a hotel during a narcotics raid.