Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Monday permitted the complainant in a rape case filed against rapper Vedan, officially known as Hirandas Murali, to be impleaded as a party-respondent in his petition seeking anticipatory bail.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas allowed the plea moved by the de facto complainant, on whose complaint the case was registered by the Thrikkakkara Police under Sections 376 (punishment for rape) and 376(2)(n) (repeated rape) of the Indian Penal Code.

The complainant, a young doctor, has alleged that Vedan raped her under the false promise of marriage. When the matter was taken up on Monday, counsel for the complainant submitted that two other FIRs have also been registered against Vedan based on similar complaints by two other women. It was urged that he be considered a “habitual offender”.

The court directed the complainant’s counsel to produce supporting documents and asked the public prosecutor to obtain necessary instructions. The matter has been posted for further hearing on Tuesday.

According to the FIR, the complainant met Vedan through Instagram. After they exchanged numbers, the accused allegedly promised to marry her and they entered into a physical relationship on several occasions.

In his bail application, Vedan contended that the complainant had first approached him claiming to be a fan, and that they subsequently developed a consensual relationship. He claimed the complaint arose due to personal differences.

Earlier this year, the High Court granted Vedan bail in a separate case involving the alleged possession of a leopard tooth.
(With LiveLaw inputs)