Daijiworld Media Network – Sangli

Sangli, May 6: Composer-filmmaker Palash Muchhal has been booked under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act following a complaint filed by a Sangli-based man alleging financial fraud and caste-based abuse.

The complainant, Vidnyan Prakash Mane (34), claimed that Muchhal took Rs 25 lakh from him as an investment for a proposed film titled Nazariya, which was never made. Mane alleged that despite repeated requests, the accused failed to return the money and eventually denied any liability.

According to the complaint, Muchhal had also offered Mane a role in the film and assured him that the investment, along with profits, would be repaid after its release.

Mane further alleged that during a meeting on November 22, 2025, at a farmhouse in Sangli, Muchhal abused him using casteist slurs and behaved in a derogatory manner, insulting his caste identity.

Based on the complaint, Sangli police have registered a case against Muchhal for alleged cheating and caste-based abuse. Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandeep Bhagwat confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Sources said Mane is active in social and political circles and is reportedly a childhood acquaintance of Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana.

Police said further probe is in progress.