Customs Raid Kerala Homes of Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Over Alleged SUV Smuggling

Bangalore | September 23, 2025 The residences of actors Prithviraj Sukumaran and Dulquer Salmaan in Kochi were raided by the Customs and Central Excise Department as part of Operation Numkhor, targeting alleged illegal imports of pre-owned SUVs from Bhutan. Authorities claim these vehicles were brought into India without paying required taxes and sold to businessmen and film industry personalities across Kerala. The raids are not limited to the actors, with industrialists and used car dealerships also under scrutiny. Customs sources explained that smuggled vehicles were often transported to border states by road or concealed in containers. Using forged documents, the SUVs were registered in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra before being resold at premium prices in Kerala. Officials noted that end users, including celebrities, may not have been directly involved in the smuggling, which primarily involved dealers, agents, and middlemen. The operation has uncovered SUVs dating as far back as 1991, although the main focus is on vehicles brought into Kerala within the last two years. The pre-owned vehicles, bought at low prices, reportedly receive modifications in India before resale, inflating their market value. As of now, neither Prithviraj nor Dulquer Salmaan has issued any statements regarding the customs searches at their homes. Meanwhile, Dulquer is riding the success of his recent film Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra and is slated to appear next in I Am Game. Prithviraj, who last directed the blockbuster political drama Empuraan, is preparing for his upcoming rural action film Vilayath Buddha. Customs officials emphasized that the ongoing investigation spans nearly two dozen locations across Kerala, signaling a comprehensive crackdown on illegal luxury vehicle imports. Authorities are meticulously examining registration documents and ownership chains to identify all parties involved in the alleged racket. Operation Numkhor highlights the increasing scrutiny on high-value pre-owned vehicles in the Indian market, especially those with complex cross-border histories. By targeting both dealers and prominent buyers, officials aim to prevent tax evasion and ensure legal compliance in the import and sale of luxury automobiles. This development has drawn significant attention within the film industry and the public, raising questions about the extent of celebrity involvement in high-value smuggling operations. Investigators continue to follow leads and have assured that the probe will determine the roles of all individuals connected to the alleged imports. The raids underline the government’s intensified measures to curb illegal vehicle imports and tax evasion, demonstrating that authorities are prepared to pursue investigations across all sectors, including high-profile personalities. Luxury SUV Smuggling Scandal Hits Kerala Celebrities Customs raids hit the homes of actors Prithviraj Sukumaran and Dulquer Salmaan in Kochi as part of Operation Numkhor, investigating illegal imports of pre-owned SUVs from Bhutan. Authorities allege the vehicles were brought in without paying taxes and sold to businessmen and film personalities. While the celebrities may not be directly involved, dealers, agents, and middlemen are under scrutiny. The operation spans multiple locations across Kerala, uncovering vehicles registered in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Officials are examining documents and ownership records to track the smuggling network and ensure compliance with Indian import laws.