Palash Muchhal Booked Under SC/ST Act After Allegations of Casteist Remark in Financial Dispute Case
Music composer Palash Muchhal has landed in legal trouble after a case was registered against him under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complaint alleges that he made caste-based derogatory remarks during an argument linked to a financial dispute.
Complaint filed by Smriti Mandhana’s friend
According to reports, the complaint was lodged by Vigyan Prakash Mane, a resident of Sangli and childhood friend of Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana. Mane has accused Muchhal of making casteist remarks during an altercation at a toll plaza on the Sangli–Ashta road on November 22.
Police have registered a case under Section 3(1) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with Sections 351(2) and 352. An investigation into the matter is currently underway.
Allegations linked to ₹25 lakh financial dispute
As per the complaint, the incident is rooted in a financial disagreement. Mane has alleged that he had given ₹25 lakh to Palash Muchhal for a film production project. When the project allegedly failed to materialise as promised, Mane approached him to recover the money.
It is further alleged that the confrontation escalated when Mane demanded repayment, leading to an exchange in which caste-based remarks were allegedly made. Mane has claimed that the comments were abusive and deeply offensive.
Mane’s statement
Speaking to the media, Mane reiterated his allegations, stating that Muchhal had initially assured him of completing the film within six months but later failed to deliver. He also alleged that attempts to recover the money were repeatedly ignored, eventually leading to the confrontation.
Personal life under public scrutiny
The controversy comes at a time when Muchhal’s personal life has already been in the spotlight. He was previously engaged to Smriti Mandhana, with the wedding scheduled for November 23 last year. However, the ceremony was postponed following a medical emergency involving Mandhana’s father.
Subsequently, reports of further complications and health issues involving Muchhal also surfaced, and the wedding was eventually called off. Later, Muchhal posted a statement on social media indicating that he was stepping away from the relationship and urging restraint over speculation and rumours.
Following the breakup, both Muchhal and Mandhana unfollowed each other on social media and have not made any public statements about each other since.
Investigation ongoing
With a formal complaint now registered under stringent legal provisions, police have begun their investigation into the allegations. No official statement has yet been issued by Palash Muchhal regarding the latest case.
The matter remains under legal scrutiny as further details are awaited.
