Mithi River Desilting Scam: ₹18 Lakh Transferred To Company Co-Owned By Ketan Kadam’s Wife & Dino Morea’s Brother

Mumbai: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police has uncovered major financial irregularities in the ongoing investigation into the ₹65 crore Mithi River desilting scam. Sources reveal that contractors, under instructions from arrested accused Ketan Kadam, transferred a total of ₹18 lakh at different intervals into the account of UBO Ridez Pvt. Ltd., a company jointly owned on paper by Kadam’s wife Punita Kadam and actor Dino Morea’s brother, Santino Morea. Money trails From UBO Ridez Pvt. Ltd Company to Actor Dino Morea.

According to EOW findings, although Punita Kadam and Santino Morea each hold a 50% partnership in UBO Ridez Pvt. Ltd. on record, it was actually actor Dino Morea who exercised operational control over the company. In a statement to the EOW, Santino Morea confirmed that he was only a nominal director and that Dino handled all major decisions and operations.

Investigators have identified seven bank accounts belonging to Dino Morea and five accounts held by Santino Morea. The EOW has obtained transaction statements for all these accounts and is currently analyzing them. Initial findings show that Ketan Kadam transferred funds into these accounts multiple times. A forensic audit has been initiated to further investigate these financial links, and the EOW is in the process of appointing an expert agency to carry it out.

Once the audit report is received, the EOW is likely to summon Dino Morea and his brother Santino for further questioning. The investigation has also turned its focus on how contractors manipulated BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) measurements after winning tenders. The EOW has obtained all relevant documents from the BMC related to the desilting contracts.

Sources claim that the scam dates back to the initial tendering process, with special provisions allegedly made to benefit Kerala-based Matprop Technical Services Pvt. Ltd. Company, which was favored during the bidding stage.

Three BMC engineers, including Ganesh Bendre (Retired) and Contractor Bhupendra Purohit are currently under the scanner, and arrests are expected soon. The EOW has already recorded statements from 30 individuals, including several senior BMC officials. This scam, which began under the guise of a civic project to desilt the Mithi River, now appears to involve a wide network of contractors, civic officials, and possible celebrity connections. The investigation continues.

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