Dino Morea Questioned in Mithi River Desilting Scam: What We Know So Far

Bollywood actor Dino Morea, known for his roles in films like Raaz and the recent web series The Royals, has found himself in the spotlight for reasons beyond his on-screen performances. On May 28, 2025, Morea was spotted arriving at the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) office in Mumbai for questioning in connection with an alleged ₹65 crore Mithi River desilting scam. The actor, attempting to maintain a low profile, was seen wearing a mask and dodging cameras, as reported by multiple sources, including Hindustan Times.

The Mithi River Desilting Scam: An Overview

The Mithi River, a vital drainage artery in Mumbai, plays a critical role in managing the city’s monsoon floods. Since the devastating 2005 Mumbai floods, which claimed over 1,000 lives, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has undertaken multiple desilting projects to keep the river functional. However, the EOW is investigating allegations of financial irregularities in these efforts, specifically related to the manipulation of tenders and inflated charges for equipment rentals.

The scam, reportedly involving a loss of over ₹65 crore to the BMC, centers on fraudulent practices such as fake bills and manipulated contracts for dredging and silt-clearing equipment. One contract, initially valued at ₹8 crore, allegedly saw payments inflated to ₹17 crore. The EOW has booked 13 individuals, including BMC officials and contractors, and arrested two key middlemen, Ketan Kadam and Jayesh Joshi, earlier in May 2025.

Dino Morea’s Involvement: What’s Known

Dino Morea and his brother, Santino Morea, were summoned by the EOW after investigators uncovered phone records showing frequent communication between the brothers and Ketan Kadam, a key accused in the scam. Kadam, the director of Woder India LLP, a Mumbai-based desilting services company, is believed to have acted as an intermediary in the supply of equipment, allegedly overcharging the BMC. Additionally, financial transactions between Morea, Santino, and Kadam, spanning from 2018 to 2021, are under scrutiny, though Morea is not formally listed as a partner or director in the companies involved.

Santino Morea and Kadam’s wife, Punita, are directors in UBO Ridez Private Limited, a company operating Victoria-style electric carriages in Mumbai, which has raised further questions about potential connections. The EOW is conducting a forensic audit to examine these financial links, with a report expected within 30 days. On May 26 and May 28, 2025, the Morea brothers were questioned for several hours, with Dino reportedly interrogated for seven to eight hours each time. They were asked to provide documents, which are currently being verified.

Following the May 26 questioning, Dino Morea filed for anticipatory bail, indicating the seriousness of the investigation. However, he has not been named an accused as of now, and the EOW continues to probe the nature of his interactions with Kadam and others involved.

Balancing the Spotlight

Despite the ongoing investigation, Morea remains active in the entertainment industry. He recently attended the trailer launch of Housefull 5, a star-studded comedy set to release on June 6, 2025, featuring Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and others. His recent role in the Netflix series The Royals, alongside Zeenat Aman and Ishaan Khatter, has also kept him in the public eye.

Why This Matters

The Mithi River desilting scam is more than a financial fraud; it’s a matter of public safety. The river’s condition directly impacts Mumbai’s ability to manage flooding during the monsoon season. Allegations of corruption in such a critical project have sparked public outrage, with many noting that BMC scams affect taxpayers and put lives at risk. As one X user commented, “Mithi River project was supposed to prevent flooding in Mumbai. If corruption happened here, it’s not just financial fraud but putting lives at risk.”

What’s Next?

The EOW’s investigation is ongoing, with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) delving into the scam’s complexities. BJP MLC Prasad Lad has claimed the fraud could exceed ₹1,200 crore, spanning over a decade, far beyond the initially reported ₹65 crore. The forensic audit and further questioning of the Morea brothers and other suspects will likely provide more clarity.

For now, Dino Morea’s role remains under investigation, and no formal charges have been filed against him. As the case unfolds, it highlights the broader issue of transparency in public projects and the unexpected intersections between Bollywood and civic accountability.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, NDTV, The Economic Times, mid-day.com