Social worker Vignyan Mane has filed a police complaint against music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal in Sangli, alleging cheating and offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Mane, who is also known to be a childhood friend of cricketer Smriti Mandhana, said the case has been registered under the SC/ST Act following his complaint.

According to Mane, an actor and producer based in Sangli, Muchhal persuaded him to invest a substantial sum in his film Nazariya, but allegedly failed to repay the money. Based on these claims, police at Sangli City Police Station have registered a case of cheating along with charges under the SC/ST Act.

Speaking to reporters, Mane alleged that Muchhal borrowed ₹25 lakh from him in 2024 under the promise of offering profitable returns through the film project. He claimed that despite the film’s completion, repayment was repeatedly delayed.

Mane further stated that on November 22, 2025, he met Muchhal in Sangli along with friends, where he realised he had been misled. During this interaction, he also accused Muchhal of making offensive caste-based remarks, which have been detailed in the FIR.

He added that although Muchhal assured repayment, the money was not returned. Mane also alleged that he was threatened with physical harm through contacts in Mumbai, leading to mental distress. He said these incidents, along with the alleged casteist remarks, prompted him to take legal action.

Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the SC/ST Act, along with sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to alleged abusive and threatening behaviour.