‘Was cheated of Rs 25 lakh’: Smriti Mandhana’s friend accuses Palash Muchhal of casteist remarks

Music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal has been booked in Maharashtra’s Sangli district on charges of cheating and under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act following a complaint filed by social worker and producer Vignyan Mane, a childhood friend of cricketer Smriti Mandhana.

According to the complaint, Mane alleged that Muchhal convinced him to invest Rs 25 lakh in the film ‘Nazariya’, promising profitable returns. However, after the film’s completion, the money was allegedly not returned despite repeated follow-ups.

Mane claimed that he met Muchhal in Sangli on November 22, 2025, along with friends, where he realised he had been “deceived”. During the meeting, Muchhal allegedly made casteist and derogatory remarks against a community, following which Mane approached the police.

In his statement, Mane said he is a “law-abiding citizen” who believes in the Constitution and alleged that Muchhal also threatened him with physical harm through contacts in Mumbai, causing mental harassment.

Police said a case has been registered at Sangli City Police Station under Sections 3(1)(R)(S) of the SC/ST Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to threats, assault and abusive behaviour. Further investigation is underway, and police teams have been dispatched to trace and arrest the accused.

Muchhal had completed shooting for ‘Nazariya’ in 2024. The film stars Bhavya Shah, Apoorva Arora and Dhiraj Sanap.

Muchhal and Mandhana were earlier set to marry on November 23, 2025, in Sangli. However, the wedding was later called off. Reports at the time said Mandhana’s father had been hospitalised due to health issues, while Muchhal was also admitted with viral and acidity-related complications before the couple officially announced their separation in December 2025.