Smriti Mandhana Ex-Fiancé Palash Muchhal Booked: Cheating And Caste Abuse Allegations Explained

A financial dispute has escalated into a serious legal case. A complaint filed by a close associate of Smriti Mandhana has led to an FIR against Palash Muchhal, with charges ranging from cheating to caste-based abuse. Police in Maharashtra have confirmed that teams have been deployed to trace and arrest the accused as the investigation gathers pace.

Complaint details: Investment dispute turns into criminal case

The case has been filed by Vignyan Mane, a social worker and reported childhood friend of Mandhana, at the Sangli City Police Station.

According to the complaint, Muchhal allegedly took ₹25 lakh in 2024 under the pretext of investment in a film project titled Nazariya, promising substantial returns. Mane claims that despite repeated follow-ups after the film's completion, the money was not returned.

"I am a law-abiding citizen who firmly believes in the Constitution of India and the rule of law. In 2024, Palash Muchhal took Rs 25 lakh from me under the pretext of investing in a film project, assuring me of good returns. However, after the film was completed, despite repeated follow-ups, he continued to delay repayment," Mane said.

The complainant further alleged that during a meeting in November 2025, it became clear that he had been deceived.

Palash Mucchal faces Serious charges: Caste remarks and threats add to allegations

Beyond financial cheating, the FIR includes provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Mane has accused Muchhal of making caste-based derogatory remarks during their interaction, stating:

"During this meeting, we realised that we had been deceived. At the same time, he made deeply offensive and casteist remarks about a particular community, which I have detailed in my FIR, as they are not appropriate to repeat publicly."

He also alleged that threats were issued:

"Instead, he threatened me with physical harm through contacts in Mumbai, causing me significant mental harassment."

Police have registered the case under relevant sections of the SC/ST Act along with provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to intimidation and abuse.

Police action underway as investigation progresses

Authorities have confirmed that the complaint has been formally registered and that further investigation is ongoing. Police teams have been dispatched to locate Muchhal, indicating the seriousness with which the case is being treated.

No official response from Muchhal has been reported at this stage.

Personal backdrop: Smriti Mandhana Wedding called off months before controversy

The development comes months after Muchhal and Mandhana called off their wedding in December 2025.

The couple were initially set to marry in Sangli in November, but the ceremony was cancelled following health issues on both sides. Weeks later, they publicly confirmed that the engagement had ended.

While Mandhana is not directly involved in the complaint, the connection through her former engagement has drawn significant public attention to the case.