Actor Dino Morea has once again been questioned by the Mumbai Police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) regarding alleged irregularities in the Mithi River desilting project. This marks the second time Morea, along with his brother Santino Rocco Morea, has been summoned in connection with the case, which reportedly involves a staggering loss of Rs. 65.54 crores to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The Ongoing Investigation and Latest Summons
The fresh summons for Dino Morea stemmed from crucial leads obtained from phone records, indicating contact with individuals linked to the case. Investigators are diligently verifying financial transactions involving the Morea brothers and Punita Kadam, wife of arrested accused Ketan Kadam. Both the Morea brothers and Punita Kadam are directors in a private company named UBO Ridez Private Limited, a connection now under intense scrutiny. The EOW is also examining how Ketan Kadam's firm, Woder India LLP, managed to secure civic contracts. It's important to note that, as of now, no wrongdoing has been officially established against the actor, and the questioning remains part of the extensive ongoing probe.
Key Allegations in the Mithi River Desilting Case
• Massive Financial Loss: The case centers on an alleged loss of Rs. 65.54 crores to the BMC, primarily through financial irregularities, inflated tenders, and corrupt practices in the Mithi River desilting project.
• Key Arrests: Ketan Kadam, among 13 individuals booked, was arrested on May 7. Jayesh Joshi, associated with Virgo Specialties Private Limited, has also been apprehended by the EOW.
• Alleged Modus Operandi: The EOW claims that BMC officials traveled to Kochi in October 2020 to procure desilting equipment from Matprop Technical Services Private Limited. Subsequently, tenders were floated with machine specifications that reportedly matched Matprop's equipment, limiting choices for contractors.
• Inflated Rates and Fudged Records: Police allege that contractors approaching Matprop were directed to Joshi and Ketan Kadam, who, in alleged connivance with the company, rented out equipment at inflated rates instead of selling it. Furthermore, civic records were reportedly fudged to inflate the quantity of silt removed, directly benefiting contractors and influencing the payment rates.
As the Mumbai Police EOW continues its thorough investigation into the Mithi River desilting project, all eyes remain fixed on potential further revelations and whether more high-profile names will emerge under the scanner.
