Complaint by Smriti Mandhana’s childhood friend accuses Palash Muchhal of Rs 40 lakh scam

Singer-composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal has been accused of cheating and financial misconduct after a complaint was filed against him alleging a Rs 40 lakh scam linked to an unreleased film project. The complaint was lodged by Sangli-based actor-producer Vidnyan Mane, who claims he invested in a movie venture that never materialised and has not seen a return on the funds he provided.

According to the complaint, Mane, who says he is a childhood friend of Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana, was introduced to Muchhal by Mandhana’s family. Mane alleged that he was told the project would yield profits and even offered a role in the film, but after paying a total of Rs 40 lakh, the film remains unreleased and he has been unable to recover his investment.

In addition to the financial accusations, Mane has made claims of infidelity, alleging that Muchhal was “caught red-handed” with another woman during wedding celebrations in November 2025. This incident is cited as a factor in the cancellation of Muchhal’s planned wedding to Smriti Mandhana, though these personal aspects remain entwined with the broader controversy.

Muchhal has strongly denied the allegations, labelling them “entirely baseless and factually incorrect” in statements on his social media. His lawyer has questioned the evidence behind the claims and said the timing of the accusations appears malicious, while indicating that legal action may be taken in response. Police have begun a preliminary probe into the complaint in Sangli, although no formal FIR has been registered as yet.