Smriti Mandhana’s ex-fiancé Palash Muchhal under police probe over investment dispute

A man in Maharashtra’s Sangli district has alleged that music composer and singer Palash Muchhal cheated him of ?40 lakh, police said on Thursday.

According to authorities, Vidnyan Mane, a 34-year-old actor and producer, filed a complaint with the Sangli Superintendent of Police on Tuesday, seeking an FIR against Palash. Mane claimed that he met Palash in Sangli on December 5, 2023, to discuss a potential investment in a film project.

The complaint states that Palash expressed interest in investing in Mane’s upcoming film Nazaria as a producer. He reportedly told Mane that an investment of Rs 25 lakh could yield a profit of Rs 12 lakh after the film’s release on OTT platforms. Palash also allegedly offered Mane a role in the film.

The two met twice more following the initial discussion, and Mane allegedly gave Palash a total of ?40 lakh by March 2025. However, the project was not completed. When Mane requested the money back, he claims that Palash did not respond, prompting him to approach the Sangli police. An official said a preliminary probe into the matter is underway. Palash has not yet responded to the allegations.

This case comes shortly after Palash Muchhal was in the news due to the cancellation of his wedding with cricketer Smriti Mandhana. The wedding, initially scheduled for November 23, was postponed after Smriti’s father was hospitalised for a heart ailment. Following the cancellation, Palash released a statement saying he had “decided to move on” and expressed disappointment over what he described as baseless online chatter.

“I have decided to move on in my life and step back from my personal relationship. It's been very difficult for me to see people react so easily on baseless rumours about something which has been most sacred to me. It's the most difficult phase of my life, and I will deal with it gracefully, holding on to my beliefs,” he wrote. He urged the public to pause before judging based on unverified claims, adding, “Our words can wound in ways we may never understand.”

Palash Muchhal has composed music for songs including Tu Hi Hai Aashiqui, Nachle Tu, Naach Basanti, Sasure Ke Kaudy Lag Gaye, Teri Ek Hassi, Musafir, Kinara, and Khuda Ke Banday. He has also directed films, such as Ardh and Kaam Chalu Hai.