Entertainment

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Mumbai: Bollywood actor and model Dino Morea has been arrested by the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in connection with an alleged financial irregularities case linked to the desilting and rejuvenation work of Mumbai’s Mithi River. The actor was taken into custody on October 2 after several hours of questioning as investigators continued probing alleged irregularities in contracts, payments and financial transactions connected with the civic project.

The case centres on alleged irregularities in the Mithi River desilting project carried out under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Investigators are examining the alleged roles of contractors, intermediaries and civic officials in the awarding of contracts and the movement of funds. According to reports, the alleged irregularities are estimated to have caused a financial loss of around Rs 65.54 crore to the civic body.

The EOW questioned Morea for several hours on Friday. Investigators also examined documents and other material connected with the case. Reports differed on the precise duration of the questioning, with some accounts putting it at around six hours and others reporting nearly eight hours at his Bandra residence before he was taken into custody.

The actor’s name has been linked to the investigation for some time. Morea and his brother Santino Morea had previously been questioned by the EOW in May 2025 after investigators examined phone records and possible connections with people associated with the case. The agency had also looked into financial transactions involving Santino’s company, UBO Ridez, and individuals connected with the wider investigation.

The investigation is primarily focused on how contracts for the Mithi River work were awarded and how payments connected with those contracts were routed. Investigators are examining alleged financial irregularities, including questions surrounding contract execution, payments and the involvement of different intermediaries. The broader probe has also focused on allegations of inflated equipment rental rates and other irregularities connected with the river desilting work.

One of the names that has emerged prominently in the case is Ketan Kadam, who was arrested in 2025 and is among the accused being investigated in connection with the alleged irregularities. Investigators have been examining his alleged links with people and entities associated with the civic contracts and the flow of funds.

The financial trail is an important part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities have been examining transactions involving companies and individuals allegedly connected with the project. The financial links involving Santino Morea’s company have also come under scrutiny as investigators attempt to establish how money allegedly moved between different parties associated with the case.

The Enforcement Directorate has also previously investigated aspects of the matter. In an earlier phase of the probe, the agency conducted searches at Dino Morea’s Mumbai residence and at other locations connected with individuals being examined in the case. The searches formed part of the wider investigation into the alleged financial irregularities surrounding the Mithi River project.

The Mithi River is an important part of Mumbai’s drainage system, and desilting and rejuvenation work has been undertaken as part of efforts to improve the city’s drainage capacity and reduce flooding risks during the monsoon. The allegations in the present case concern the way funds and contracts associated with this public infrastructure work were allegedly handled.

Morea’s latest questioning and subsequent arrest mark a significant development in the EOW investigation. However, the precise allegations against the actor and the extent of his alleged involvement remain matters for the ongoing investigation and judicial process. Reports on the case indicate that investigators are still verifying financial transactions, communications and other evidence before drawing conclusions about the roles of the individuals under scrutiny.

The actor has previously come under investigation in connection with the same case, but the latest action by the EOW has brought the matter back into the spotlight in Bollywood. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to examine the financial trail, contractual records and alleged links between contractors, intermediaries and other individuals connected with the Mithi River desilting project.

At this stage, the allegations remain allegations and have not been established as proven offences against Dino Morea in court. His arrest and questioning are part of an ongoing investigation, and the final determination of criminal liability will depend on the evidence presented through the legal process.