Dr NR Madhu, an RSS Pracharak and editor-in-chief of Kesari weekly, was arrested by the Kerala Police and later released on bail for allegedly inciting riots. Madhu appeared at the East Kallada police station in Kollam district, where his statement was recorded before being granted bail.
A case was registered against him under Section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for inciting riots, based on a complaint filed by Velayudhan, the local secretary of the CPI(M) in East Kallada. The charges stem from remarks made by Madhu on May 11 during a public function related to the re-consecration of the Puthiyidom temple in Kollam district.
While addressing the gathering, Madhu criticised the work of Hiran Das Murali, known by his stage name Vedan, a rapper whose performances in Kerala, according to Madhu, aim to deepen caste division in Kerala. He opined that Vedan’s music promotes “caste terrorism” and should not be allowed a platform within temple premises.
“I have no personal enmity with Vedan. But Vedan’s songs are dominating the stage as an art form that spreads caste terrorism, separatism, and poisons the minds of the younger generation. There are powerful forces backing Vedan. If you look closely, these are forces that dream of dividing the nation. Today, it is doubtful whether the renaissance is going astray, at least in some places,” Madhu stated during his speech.
In addition to these remarks, Madhu also commented on the evolving food culture in Kerala, specifically highlighting the growing influence of Arabian cuisine and its impact on the Hindu community. These observations angered the “leftist-Islamic ecosystem” in the state and are believed to be the core reason behind the case filed against him.
Hiran Das Murali, a rapper and known left-leaning supporter, has previously faced legal troubles. He was arrested for possession of ganja (cannabis), admitted his guilt, and sought forgiveness. He was also booked by the Kerala Forest Department for wearing a tiger tooth necklace. In 2021, Hiran was accused of sexual assault during the production of Muhsin Parari’s album From a Native Daughter, which led the director to discontinue the project. Hiran later issued a public apology. Hiran has also been criticised for displaying the Palestinian flag at his events, expressing solidarity with Hamas, and openly supporting the Fraternity Movement, a proxy organisation of Jamaat-e-Islami in Kerala.
In a state like Kerala, where, Maoist and Islamist groups campaign under the banner of human rights and civil liberties, it is seen as ironic that the government has acted against a public figure like N.R. Madhu for comments purportedly made in the interest of social cohesion.
However, Dr Madhu, in response to Organiser, stated: “The Communist government in Kerala is deliberately targeting activists from Hindu organisations to win favour with the Muslim community. The so-called ‘Left-Jihadi’ nexus is backing the rapper Vedan, with the intention of creating caste divisions within Hindu society. The Communists believe appeasing these forces is essential to maintaining their grip on power, which is why they pursue such fabricated cases. But activists from Hindu organisations are not intimidated by these tactics. We will continue to stand firm and persist with the issues we raise.”
