Is Dino Morea Involved in the Mithi River Desilting Scam?
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Synopsis
Actor Dino Morea finds himself embroiled in controversy as the Enforcement Directorate investigates his involvement in the Mithi River desilting scam worth Rs 65 crore. As officials conduct extensive searches and interviews, the implications of this case could be significant for Morea's career and reputation.
Key Takeaways
- Dino Morea is under investigation for his alleged ties to the Mithi River desilting scam.
- The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at multiple locations, including Morea's villa.
- Allegations include fraudulent billing practices associated with the BMC.
- The desilting scam has significant implications for local governance and accountability.
- If convicted, those involved could face serious legal repercussions.
Mumbai, June 6 (NationPress) Actor Dino Morea has found himself in a new predicament as the Enforcement Directorate conducted a search of his villa located in Bandra West, Mumbai, on Friday. This investigation is tied to the Rs 65 crore Mithi River desilting scam, according to an official report.
The early morning scene at the villa was bustling as a convoy of vehicles carrying ED investigators arrived, taking charge of all mobile devices and preventing residents from exiting the premises.
The searches, which are part of a broader inquiry into alleged money laundering associated with the desilting operation, extended for several hours across 15 sites in Mumbai and Kerala, as indicated by the official.
On May 26, Dino Morea faced questioning from the Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) regarding his potential connections to Ketan Kadam, one of the 13 individuals implicated in the ongoing investigation.
An official revealed that Morea's phone number appeared in the call logs linked to the accused, which has also led to the booking of three municipal officials and five contractors.
Previously, the Mumbai Police alleged that officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and contractors engaged in fraudulent billing practices to disburse funds without actually performing the physical desilting of the river. This malpractice has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the flooding in adjacent areas as rainwater fails to flow into the river.
After executing searches at eight locations, Deputy Commissioner of Police (EOW) Sangramsingh Nishandar stated that an FIR was filed at the Azad Maidan Police Station based on preliminary findings indicating “culpability.”
Nishandar noted that the FIR arose from the submission of fraudulent bills and forged MoUs to the BMC concerning the purported desilting work. The accused face charges related to cheating, breach of trust, forgery, and conspiracy, with the potential for a seven-year prison sentence if convicted.
The FIR encompasses offenses linked to the contract preparation for desilting, the transportation of desilted materials, and the verification of contractors’ responsibilities as mandated by the contract.
Nishandar explained that the investigators scrutinized the processes and found that contractors submitted bogus bills related to nine locations designated for the dumping of desilted material.
Furthermore, discrepancies were identified in the MoUs between landowners where the silt was allegedly deposited and BMC officials.
Some landowners informed the police that they had never engaged in contracts with the desilting contractors, yet false MoUs with their names were submitted to the BMC.
“Some landowners mentioned in the documents do not exist. Hence, the absence of landowners raises suspicions regarding whether the silt was actually removed from the river,” he stated.
Companies currently under scrutiny by the EOW include Acute Design, Kailash Construction, N.A. Construction, Nikhil Construction, and J.R.S Infrastructure.
“These companies are accused of submitting fraudulent MoUs,” he added.
The DCP also mentioned that the FIR addresses a field inspection conducted by a firm named Matprop in February 2020 at the Mithi River. Following this, officials colluded with BMC representatives to manipulate the desilting contract terms for unlawful benefits.
The FIR identifies accused civic officials, including Prashant Ramugade, Assistant Engineer and Designated Officer in the Rainwater Drainage Department of the Municipal Corporation; Deputy Chief Engineer, East Suburbs, Ganesh Bendre, among others.
Private individuals and contractors implicated in the FIR include Jay Joshi of Virgo Specialities Pvt Ltd, along with other partners and directors, Ketan Kadam of Vodar India LLP, contractor Bhupendra Purohit, and others.
Others named in the FIR are Deepak Mohan and Kishore Menon.
The FIR related to the desilting case includes five contractors, three middlemen, two company officials, and three BMC officials, accusing them of causing financial loss to the civic agency, as reported by the police.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was established following inquiries raised by BJP leader and MLC Pravin Darekar and Prasad Lad during the state Assembly's monsoon session.
The desilting initiative is part of a greater Rs 1,100 crore Mithi River beautification project.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach the situation with diligence and impartiality. The ongoing investigation into the Mithi River desilting scam raises significant questions about governance and accountability. The implications for those involved, including Dino Morea, need thorough examination to ensure justice prevails.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mithi River desilting scam?
The Mithi River desilting scam involves allegations of fraudulent billing and mismanagement of funds related to a Rs 65 crore desilting project, resulting in financial losses to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Who is Dino Morea?
Dino Morea is a well-known Indian actor and model, who has recently come under investigation related to the Mithi River desilting scam.
What actions have been taken against those involved?
Several contractors and civic officials have been booked under various sections of law, including cheating and forgery, in connection with the scam.
What are the potential consequences for the accused?
If found guilty, the accused could face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to seven years.
How is the desilting scam connected to the flooding issues?
The fraudulent practices in the desilting project have contributed to inadequate drainage, resulting in flooding in areas adjacent to the Mithi River.
