Vedan rape case: Got digital evidence to prove charges, survivor fears for safety amid privacy breaches, says lawyer

Kochi: The young doctor who has accused Kerala rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan, of rape possesses digital evidence to support her claims, her lawyer told Onmanorama on Thursday. “We are confident about the strength of the case. There are eyewitnesses who saw Vedan’s behaviour with the survivor. But whether all of them will testify remains to be seen. If their names are leaked, they are likely to be influenced,” said Advocate Vimala Binu.

The legal team is preparing to approach the High Court seeking police protection for the survivor. A fresh complaint has also been submitted to the Kochi City Police Commissioner, demanding strict action to prevent further breaches of privacy.

“The complainant is fully cooperating with the investigation. Media personnel must not trail her or attempt to capture visuals during proceedings. Such actions could ultimately aid the accused,” the lawyer warned. She further pointed out that a previous complainant against Vedan had also faced media harassment, raising concerns about attempts to shield the accused.

According to the complaint filed with Thrikkakkara police, the first incident of rape occurred in August 2021 when Vedan visited the survivor’s flat in Kozhikode to discuss a Facebook post about him. Although the assault took place during that meeting, the survivor said she continued the relationship after Vedan promised marriage.

In her police statement, the woman said the two were in a relationship for over two years. However, it ended abruptly in mid-2023 after Vedan labelled her “toxic” for not allowing him to “have relationships with other women.”

She also detailed several financial transactions during their time together. The survivor said she transferred ₹10,000 to Vedan’s account in December 2021 for the release of a song. Between 2021 and 2023, she sent him a total of ₹31,000 through Google Pay and booked train tickets worth ₹8,356. She also met several of Vedan’s friends during this period, including Akhil Ramachandran and Misaj Bin Kalam. She was also in touch with Rishi, Dabs, and Ayub.

The survivor is currently under “immense mental pressure” following the leak of her personal details in the media, Vimala added in a press note, urging journalists to respect her privacy and refrain from actions that could jeopardise the investigation.

"Some individuals claiming to be media representatives have reportedly visited her home, disregarding legal obligations to protect the identity of a sexual assault survivor. Others have attempted to harass her through repeated phone calls," she said.

The complainant also fears these actions may have been orchestrated by the accused or those close to him. “There is a possibility of intrusions or even physical attacks in the guise of media. I urge journalists to act responsibly,” Vimala said.