Kerala’s popular rapper Vedan has been arrested in Kochi after police seized six grams of cannabis from his apartment. The arrest rocked the South Indian music scene, where Vedan has been famous for his provocative lyrics and large local fanbase.
Based on a tip-off, a raid was made at Vedan’s house by the police, following which the illicit substance was recovered, reports said. Vedan was later arrested and booked under concerned sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Vedan, who has gained popularity for fusing Malayalam culture with contemporary rap beats, has established himself as one of Kerala’s emerging music artists. His arrest has generated a variety of responses, ranging from disappointment among some fans to calls for an emphasis on rehabilitation and education rather than condemnation.
As the probe is on, Vedan’s lawyers are likely to move for bail. In the meantime, the incident has once again brought to the fore discourse on substance abuse in the entertainment world and the pressures that come with fame for young artists.
