Highlights:
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Palaash Muchhal accused of cheating a Maharashtra financier of about $48,000
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Complaint filed with Sangli district police on January 21
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Investment allegedly linked to an unreleased film titled Nazariya
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Police confirm the matter is under investigation and documents are being verified
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Singer and filmmaker Palaash Muchhal is facing fresh legal scrutiny after a Maharashtra-based film financier accused him of cheating and financial misrepresentation in connection with a proposed film project. The allegation involves an amount of approximately $48,000, which the complainant claims was invested based on assurances that the film would be completed and released on a digital platform within a short time frame.
Local police officials confirmed that a formal complaint has been filed with the Sangli district police and that the matter is currently under investigation. Authorities stated that documents and transaction records submitted by the complainant are being reviewed as part of the inquiry.
Complaint against Palaash Muchhal filed in Sangli
The complainant, Vaibhav Mane, is a resident of Sangli and works as a film financier. According to the police complaint, Mane was introduced to Palaash Muchhal during the latter’s visit to Sangli. The introduction was reportedly facilitated by Srinivas Mandhana, the father of Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana. Mane is said to be a childhood friend of Mandhana.
In his statement to the police, Mane alleged that Muchhal approached him with a proposal to invest in a film titled Nazariya. Muchhal allegedly presented the project as a short-term investment opportunity, assuring Mane that the film would be completed quickly and released on a streaming platform, which would result in a timely return on investment.
Based on these assurances, Mane agreed to fund the project.
Palaash Muchhal and the alleged $48,000 investment
According to the complaint, Mane invested a total of around $48,000 in the film. The funds were reportedly paid in multiple installments over a period of time. The complaint states that the payments were made through a combination of cash transactions and digital transfers using Google Pay.
Mane has submitted transaction records and supporting documents to the Superintendent of Police to substantiate his claims. Police officials confirmed that these records are now part of the investigation and are being examined to determine the sequence of payments and their intended purpose.
The financier alleged that despite repeated assurances, the film project did not progress as promised. The complaint states that Nazariya was never completed and no release plan was executed.
Allegations of non-communication and blocked contact
The complaint further alleges that when Mane asked for his money to be returned, Palaash Muchhal initially agreed to repay the amount. However, according to Mane, the communication later deteriorated. He claimed that Muchhal stopped responding to calls and messages and eventually blocked his phone number altogether.
After waiting several months without receiving either the completed project or a refund, Mane decided to approach law enforcement authorities. He filed a formal complaint accusing Muchhal of cheating, financial fraud, and misrepresentation, and requested legal action along with recovery of the invested funds.
Police investigation into Palaash Muchhal allegations
Police officials in Sangli confirmed that they received the complaint on Wednesday evening, January 21. Authorities stated that the matter is under preliminary investigation and that the documents and financial records submitted by the complainant are being verified.
Officials added that further steps will be taken once the review process is complete and that appropriate legal action will follow based on the findings of the inquiry. At this stage, police have not disclosed whether an FIR has been registered or whether Muchhal has been summoned for questioning.
Public attention around Palaash Muchhal case
The case has attracted public attention due to Palaash Muchhal’s recent presence in the news. He was earlier reported to be in the spotlight following the cancellation of his wedding to Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana. While the two had not made public statements regarding the reasons for the cancellation, the development had drawn widespread media coverage.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Muchhal has reportedly resumed professional activities. Industry sources indicate that he is preparing for his next directorial project, which is expected to feature actor Shreyas Talpade in a leading role. No official statement has been issued by Muchhal regarding the allegations at the time of writing.
What happens next in the Palaash Muchhal investigation
Police have emphasized that the investigation is at an early stage and that conclusions will be drawn only after all evidence is reviewed. Authorities are expected to examine financial records, communication exchanges, and project-related documentation linked to the alleged film investment.
As the inquiry continues, the case involving Palaash Muchhal highlights ongoing concerns around informal film financing arrangements and the risks faced by independent investors. Further updates are expected once the police complete their initial assessment and determine the next course of action.
