Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted raids at Bollywood actor Dino Morea’s residence in Mumbai in connection with alleged irregularities and misuse of funds in the Mithi River desilting project. In addition to the actor, the ED also raided the premises of BMC Assistant Engineer Prashant Ramugade and several contractors.
Earlier, Mumbai Police had also questioned Dino Morea regarding the same case. Both Dino and his brother Santino were summoned by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) to appear with relevant documents. Dino Morea is considered close to Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) youth leader and MLA Aaditya Thackeray.
Sources reveal that the ED conducted raids at over 15 locations, including spots in Mumbai and Kochi, Kerala, as part of its investigation into the Mithi River desilting scam. Speculation is rife that these actions are intended to politically target the Thackeray faction ahead of the municipal elections.
A case has been registered at Azad Maidan Police Station against three civic officials, five contractors, three intermediaries, and two companies. The scam allegedly caused a loss of ₹65.54 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Dino Morea and his brother were questioned by the Economic Offences Wing for nearly eight hours. Investigators are also probing financial transactions between Dino Morea and arrested accused Ketan Kadam that reportedly took place between 2019 and 2022.
