Music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal has landed in legal trouble after a complaint alleging caste-based abuse was filed against him, triggering a police investigation under stringent provisions of Indian law.

The complaint was lodged by Vigyan Prakash Mane, who is reportedly a childhood friend of Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana. Authorities in Maharashtra’s Sangli district have registered a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with other relevant sections of the law.

According to the complaint, the alleged incident dates back to November 22, 2025. Mane claims that during a confrontation with Muchhal, the composer used derogatory caste-based remarks and behaved in a humiliating manner.

The altercation reportedly took place in Sangli during a dispute that escalated into verbal abuse. Based on these allegations, police registered an offence under Section 3(1) of the SC/ST Act, which deals with atrocities against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Officials have confirmed that the matter is under active investigation, and statements are being recorded as part of the probe.

Beyond the allegations of caste abuse, the case is also rooted in a financial disagreement between the two parties. Mane has alleged that he invested approximately ₹25 lakh in a film project proposed by Muchhal. 

According to the complaint, the investment was made with the understanding that the project would be completed within a specified timeline and profits would be shared. However, Mane claims the film was never produced, and repeated requests for repayment were allegedly ignored.

The dispute over the money is said to have eventually led to the confrontation during which the alleged abusive remarks were made.

Reports suggest that tensions between the two individuals had been brewing for months, with earlier disagreements over finances and professional commitments. The current case marks a significant escalation, bringing legal scrutiny and serious charges into the picture.

The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is a stringent law designed to prevent discrimination and violence against marginalized communities, and cases registered under it are treated with high priority by law enforcement agencies.

The controversy has drawn additional attention due to Muchhal’s past relationship with cricketer Smriti Mandhana. The two were reportedly set to marry in late 2025, but their wedding was called off under undisclosed circumstances.

Since then, both individuals have remained largely silent about their personal equation, though the latest developments have once again brought their association into public discussion.

Police officials have stated that the complaint has been formally registered and that the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are examining both the allegations of caste-based abuse and the financial aspects of the dispute.

As of now, no final conclusions have been drawn, and the case remains under active inquiry.