The Kerala High Court on Tuesday granted anticipatory bail to Hiran Das Murali, popularly known as Vedan, in the rape case registered against him by the Thrikkakkara Police.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas also permitted the complainant, a young doctor who levelled the allegation, to be impleaded as a party-respondent in the proceedings. The case was registered under Sections 376 [punishment for rape] and 376(2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code.

The complainant had alleged that Vedan raped her on the false promise of marriage. During the hearing, her counsel submitted that two other crimes had also been registered against the rapper based on complaints from two other women alleging similar offences, and urged that he be treated as a 'habitual offender'. The court, however, observed orally that "each crime will have to be considered on the basis of the merits of that case."

According to the complaint, the doctor met Vedan through Instagram, after which they exchanged phone numbers. She alleged that he promised to marry her and they engaged in a physical relationship on several occasions. In his bail plea, Vedan argued that the relationship was consensual and that the complaint arose from personal differences.

Earlier this year, Vedan had been granted bail in a separate case related to the alleged possession of a leopard tooth.
(With LiveLaw inputs.)