Kerala Rapper Vedan Arrested for Ganja/Marijuana Possession in Kochi

Vedan (Hirandas Murali), a Kerala-based rapper, was arrested on Monday (April 28, 2025) after recovering nearly six grams of ganja/marijuana from his apartment near Vyttila in Kochi.

The incident came to light when Hill Palace police station received a tip, and they conducted a raid, and police seized the drugs at Vedan's apartment in Vyttila, Kochi, on Monday.

The police released the statement that “He will be booked as per the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act after the interrogation is completed,” they said. He may be released on station bail as the quantity in possession was minimal. The police said further details related to the ganja seizure will be revealed soon.

Hirandas Murali is his real name, and he goes by Vedan, as it is his stage name. Vedan first gained prominence in June 2020 with the release of his first music video, titled "Voice of the Voiceless," which went viral on YouTube.

In the same year, he released his second music video titled "Bhoomi Njan Vazhunidam," and in 2024, Vedan collaborated with Sushin Shyam in the movie Manjummel Boys, where he wrote the lyrics for the track "Kuthanthram."

The police have also found around ₹9 lakh in cash from the rapper’s apartment, where eight of his friends were also present.

It is reportedly said, “They claimed the money was the revenue they earned from a stage show. It collectively belongs to the group. We will have to verify it,” the officer added.

The sudden arrest is due to the anti-drug operation across the state. A day back, two upcoming directors, Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, were arrested. Karela police, along with the excise department, has taken the matter seriously because of the reports of major implosion of drugs, especially synthetic substances like hybrid marijuana, methamphetamine, and MDMA, into the state.

Based on these reports, Kerala police came into action, and arrests are being made.