Mumbai’s glamorous film world collided with a murky municipal scandal on Monday when actor Dino Morea was questioned by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in a ₹65-crore fraud case involving the cleaning of the Mithi River. Police sources confirmed that Morea’s name emerged during the probe into rigged tenders and inflated bills, prompting his appearance at the Mumbai Police Headquarters.
According to officials, the actor was summoned after investigators uncovered links between certain contractors and high-profile individuals. While Morea has not been named as an accused, his questioning has stirred public curiosity about the extent of celebrity involvement in civic scams.
Fraudulent Billing, Tailored Tenders, and ₹50 Crore Loss
The core of the scam lies in the alleged misuse of funds allocated to clean the Mithi River, a crucial flood-control waterway running through Mumbai. Police say the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) awarded desilting contracts worth over ₹65 crore, but much of the work was never completed. Instead, contractors reportedly generated fraudulent bills for transporting sludge and claimed payments for work not carried out.
An SIT probe found that the tender process was manipulated to benefit a specific supplier of machinery, suggesting collusion between civic officials and private firms. Investigators estimate that the BMC may have incurred a loss exceeding ₹50 crore.
Widening Probe: 13 Named in FIR, More to Follow?
The special investigation team registered an FIR against 13 individuals, including five contractors, three middlemen, and two BMC officials. Searches have been conducted at multiple premises, and digital evidence is being analyzed to trace the money trail.
Police sources hint at more revelations as the case unfolds. “We are probing all financial transactions linked to the desilting work. If further evidence connects other individuals, we will take appropriate action,” said a senior officer.
As investigations deepen, the case highlights the recurring issue of corruption in public works projects—especially those involving disaster mitigation and urban infrastructure in India’s largest cities.