Kochi: Trouble is mounting for rapper Vedan, alias Hirandas Murali, after a fresh case was registered against him based on a complaint from a research student alleging sexual harassment and humiliating behaviour.

The complaint was initially submitted to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office and later forwarded to Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya, who directed the Ernakulam Central Police to register a case. Police said Vedan has been booked under Section 354 of the IPC, which deals with assault or use of criminal force against a woman with the intent of outraging her modesty. The case was registered on August 21.

According to police sources, two young women recently approached the Chief Minister’s office with complaints against the controversial rapper. One of them, a research student, alleged that Vedan made sexual advances towards her and subjected her to humiliating behaviour at his Kochi flat in 2020. Police added that the complainant is currently outside Kerala, but her statement will be recorded once she returns.

Vedan is already absconding in another case registered by Thrikkakara police last month, in which a young doctor accused him of repeated sexual assault between 2021 and 2023. His anticipatory bail plea in that case is under consideration before the Kerala High Court, which has temporarily restrained the police from arresting him.