Dino Morea Questioned Again in Mithi River Desilting Scam Amidst Broader EOW Probe

Actor Dino Morea has again been summoned by the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged Mithi River desilting scam. This recent questioning follows investigators reportedly uncovering phone records that suggest Morea had contact with individuals linked to the case. Morea, along with his brother Santino Rocco Morea, had previously been questioned by the EOW in May 2025, according to reports.

An EOW officer, as cited by Hindustan Times, confirmed the summons, stating, “We summoned [Dino] Morea after investigators came across phone records indicating contact with some people linked to the case.” The probe extends beyond phone records, delving into potential business links between the Morea family and those already implicated in the scandal. Specifically, investigators are examining the connection between Santino Rocco Morea and Punita Kadam, who is the wife of arrested accused Ketan Kadam. Both Santino Rocco Morea and Punita Kadam were directors in UBO Ridez Private Limited.

The EOW is meticulously scrutinizing financial transactions involving the Kadams and Santino, while also investigating the process by which Ketan Kadam’s desilting company, Woder India LLP, secured civic contracts. Ketan Kadam was arrested on May 7 and is among the individuals booked in the case. The EOW alleges that the irregularities within the Mithi River desilting project led to a significant loss of Rs 65.54 crore for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The case encompasses allegations of widespread financial irregularities, inflated tenders, and corrupt practices.

Further arrests include Jayesh Joshi, associated with Virgo Specialties Private Limited, a Mumbai-based industrial product manufacturer. The investigation is also focusing on the alleged roles of middlemen and companies involved in supplying or renting specialized equipment for the desilting operations. A key area of concern for the EOW is the tendering process itself. Investigators have found that some BMC officials traveled to Kochi in October 2020 to procure desilting equipment from Matprop Technical Services Private Limited. Subsequently, tenders for the desilting work were issued with specifications that allegedly mirrored Matprop’s equipment, effectively limiting the options available to other contractors.

The tender documents reportedly stipulated that contractors would be compensated based on the weight of silt and dredged material removed from the river. However, police investigations suggest that contractors who attempted to purchase equipment directly from Matprop were instead directed towards Joshi and Kadam. It is further alleged that this equipment was then rented out at significantly inflated rates. The EOW initiated a Special Investigation Team in August 2024 following initial allegations of irregularities in the desilting of the 17.84-km-long Mithi River. This investigation has since broadened to encompass financial transactions, the tendering process, and the roles of civic officials, contractors, and intermediaries. Investigators also suspect that records detailing the quantity of silt removed from the river were manipulated, potentially resulting in contractors receiving higher payments than deserved.

Dino Morea’s continued questioning forms part of this extensive, ongoing probe as the agency works to establish the precise nature of any alleged links he may have with the accused and the financial transactions under scrutiny. It is important to note that the actor has not been accused or convicted of wrongdoing merely by virtue of being questioned by the investigating agency.

What to watch: Further developments in the EOW's investigation and potential additional summonses.

Editor's note: Comprehensive summary of the EOW probe, correctly distinguishing between the investigation, the specific charges, and the actor's status.