Actor Dino Morea held by Mumbai police in Rs 65 crore Mithi river probe

Actor Dino Morea has been arrested by the Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing over alleged financial fraud in the Mithi River desilting project. Police took the actor into custody on October 2 following nearly eight hours of questioning at his home in Bandra.

Investigation Details

The probe centres on alleged irregularities in civic contracts, inflated tenders, and corrupt practices related to cleaning and deepening the Mithi River. Investigators claim the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation suffered a total loss of Rs. 65.54 crores through these actions. The case involves 13 booked individuals, including Ketan Kadam who was arrested on May 7, and Jayesh Joshi who is associated with Virgo Specialties Private Limited.

Family Links

Police previously questioned Dino and his brother Santino Rocco Morea in May 2025 after finding phone records linking them to people under scrutiny. Investigators are checking financial dealings between the Kadams and Santino Rocco Morea, noting that the Morea brothers and Punita Kadam serve as directors in a private firm called UBO Ridez Private Limited. Authorities have also examined how Ketan Kadam's firm, Woder India LLP, secured municipal contracts.

Tender Methods

According to Bollywood Hungama, investigators state that civic officials flew to Kochi in October 2020 to buy cleaning equipment from Matprop Technical Services Private Limited before floating tenders. The tender rules matched Matprop machine specs, which meant contractors had to use that specific gear. Police allege contractors were sent to Joshi and Ketan Kadam, who rented out the equipment at high rates instead of selling it, while civic records were allegedly altered to show higher silt amounts.

Context

Municipal desilting projects in large cities are vital public works meant to clear river channels and prevent monsoon flooding. Investigators often scrutinize municipal tenders and contractor payments when public funds suffer losses due to rigged bidding or inflated billing practices.