Palash Muchhal Denies Rs 40 Lakh Fraud Allegations as 'Baseless', Vows Legal Action
Music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal has issued a strong rebuttal to the recent allegations of a Rs 40 lakh financial fraud case in Sangli, Maharashtra. The controversy comes just weeks after his highly publicized wedding with Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana was called off, adding another layer of scrutiny to his personal and professional life.
Muchhal's Firm Denial on Social Media
On Friday, Palash Muchhal took to his Instagram Story to address the accusations head-on. In a written statement, he declared, "In light of the allegations made by Sangli-based Vidnyan Mane on social media, I wish to state that these claims against me are entirely baseless and factually incorrect." He further emphasized that the allegations were made with malicious intent to damage his reputation and assured that they would not go unchallenged.
Muchhal revealed that his lawyer, Shreyansh Mithare, is actively exploring all legal avenues to counter these claims. "This matter will be dealt with strictly through the appropriate legal channels," he asserted, signaling a robust legal defense against what he perceives as defamatory charges.
Details of the Alleged Fraud Case
According to reports from news agency PTI, the controversy stems from a complaint filed by 34-year-old actor and producer Vidnyan Mane. Mane approached the police in Maharashtra's Sangli district, accusing Palash Muchhal of cheating him out of Rs 40 lakh. As of now, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, but authorities are conducting a preliminary probe based on Mane's application submitted to the Sangli Superintendent of Police.
The complaint outlines a series of events that allegedly began on December 5, 2023, when Muchhal met Mane in Sangli. Mane, who reportedly showed interest in investing in film production, was introduced to Muchhal through Smriti Mandhana's father, according to the complainant. Muchhal allegedly proposed that Mane invest in his upcoming project, Nazaria, as a producer.
Vidnyan Mane claimed in his complaint that Muchhal promised a profit of Rs 12 lakh on an investment of Rs 25 lakh once the film was released on OTT platforms. Additionally, Mane was allegedly offered a role in the movie. The duo met twice thereafter, and by March 2025, Mane had reportedly given Muchhal Rs 40 lakh. However, with the project remaining incomplete, Mane demanded his money back but received no response, leading him to approach the police.
Background and Professional Updates
This controversy emerges against the backdrop of Muchhal's recent personal developments, including the cancelled wedding with Smriti Mandhana, which had garnered significant media attention. On the professional front, despite the allegations, Muchhal has announced his next directorial venture, starring actor Shreyas Talpade, with shooting scheduled to commence soon.
The case highlights the intersection of Bollywood, finance, and legal disputes, raising questions about transparency in film investments. As the preliminary probe continues, all eyes are on the legal proceedings that Muchhal has vowed to pursue, potentially setting a precedent for how such allegations are handled in the entertainment industry.
