Palaash Muchhal disables Instagram comments after Smriti's friend files case

Music composer and filmmaker Palaash Muchhal visited the Khatu Shyam temple on Wednesday and switched off the comments section on his Instagram post, as reports surfaced that a case had been registered against him under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Photos shared by Muchhal showed him offering prayers at the temple and bowing before the deity.

The development came on the same day that details of the complaint became public. The complaint was filed by Vidnyan Prakash Mane, a resident of Sangli and a childhood friend of cricketer Smriti Mandhana. It has also come after Muchhal and Mandhana’s wedding, which had been scheduled for November 23, 2025, was first postponed indefinitely and later called off.

Temple visit and Instagram post

Muchhal shared pictures from the temple visit on Instagram and wrote in the caption, "Jahan sir jhuka, wahan sukoon mila," before adding, "Khatu Shyam Ji – Salasar Balaji – Jeevan Mata Ji." He also turned off the comments section on the post.

The temple visit drew attention because it came amid the reports around the police case. In the photographs, Muchhal was seen offering prayers and paying obeisance at the temple.

Complaint and case details

According to the complaint, the incident took place on November 22 at a toll plaza on the Sangli-Ashta road. Mane has alleged that during an argument, Palaash Muchhal made derogatory remarks related to caste.

Police have registered a case under Section 3(1) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with Sections 351(2) and 352. The investigation is underway.

Wedding called off

Muchhal and Mandhana were set to marry in Mandhana’s hometown of Sangli, Maharashtra, on November 23, 2025. However, the wedding was first postponed indefinitely and was later cancelled.

In a post on Instagram, Mandhana confirmed the development and wrote, "Over the past few weeks there has been plenty of speculation around my life and I feel it is important for me to speak out at this time. I am a very private person and I would like to keep it that way but I need to clarify that the wedding is called off."

Allegations and response

Later, Smriti’s friend Vidnyan Mane, who claimed to be present at the wedding functions, levelled serious allegations against Muchhal, including that of infidelity.

Muchhal, however, rejected the allegations and called them baseless. In a statement, the music composer said Mane's claims were "factually incorrect." He also said such attempts were being made to tarnish his image and added that he would take legal action soon.

Muchhal has not commented on the case yet.