Palash Muchhal Case: What Is the ₹25 Lakh Dispute and SC/ST Allegation by Smriti Mandhana’s Childhood Friend?

A police case has been registered against Palash Muchhal following a complaint filed by Vigyan Prakash Mane from Sangli, who claims to be a childhood friend of Smriti Mandhana. The complaint alleges caste-based abuse and a financial dispute involving ₹25 lakh linked to a proposed film project.

According to a report cited by TV9 Marathi, Mane approached the police after an alleged confrontation with Muchhal over unpaid money. Based on the complaint, police have booked Muchhal under Section 3(1) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with Sections 351(2) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and have initiated further investigation.

What the complaint alleges

Mane has claimed that Muchhal took ₹25 lakh from him for a film project, assuring that it would be completed within six months. However, he alleges that the project did not materialise and repeated requests for repayment were ignored.

"He assured me that the film would be completed in six months. However, he turned out to be deceitful. When I asked for my money back, he evaded the issue. When I confronted him, he used derogatory language; I cannot even repeat it on camera. His attitude is quite troubling," Mane was quoted as saying.

The complaint further alleges that during the confrontation, Muchhal made remarks targeting Mane's caste. Since the complainant belongs to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, police invoked provisions under the SC/ST Act, treating the matter as a serious offence. Additional sections related to assault and use of criminal force have also been applied.

Sections invoked in the case

Section 3(1) of the SC/ST Act: Pertains to alleged caste-based abuse
Sections 351(2) and 352 (BNS): Related to assault and use of criminal force
Background: Personal life in spotlight

The development comes months after Muchhal was in the news over his personal life, particularly his reported relationship with Smriti Mandhana. Last year, Muchhal had publicly confirmed that their planned wedding had been called off. He had stated that he chose to move on and urged people not to spread unverified rumours.

Responding to speculation at the time, Muchhal had denied allegations of infidelity, calling them "baseless and defamatory," and said his team would consider legal action against those spreading false claims.

In a detailed message shared then, he spoke about the emotional toll of online speculation, saying it had been a difficult phase and urging people to avoid judging based on unverified information.

With the complaint now registered, police have begun an investigation into the allegations made by Mane. Further action will depend on the findings as authorities examine both the financial dispute and the claims of caste-based abuse.