Bhutan Vehicle Smuggling Probe Reaches Kerala: Dulquer & Prithviraj Residences Raided

Bhutan vehicle smuggling probe

Date: September 23, 2025 | Location: Kochi, Kerala

In a dramatic twist to India’s luxury vehicle import saga, the Customs Preventive Wing launched Operation Numkhor—a crackdown on illegally imported vehicles from Bhutan. The probe has reached the homes of Malayalam cinema icons Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

Two-Wheeler Prices Drop Sharply After GST Cut – September 2025 Update

📉 How Much Have Prices Dropped?

  • Hero MotoCorp:
    Karizma XMR 210: ₹15,743 cheaper
    Xpulse 210: ₹14,516 off
    Splendor+, HF Deluxe, Passion+, Glamour X: ₹5,800–₹7,800 savings
    Pleasure+, Destini 125, Xoom series: ₹6,400–₹11,600 off
    Source: MSN Autos
  • TVS Motor:
    Ronin 225: Up to ₹14,330 off across trims

GST 2.0 Slashes Car Prices Across India – What Buyers Need to Know

🚗 What Changed Under GST 2.0?

  • Compact cars (under 4,000 mm, petrol <1,200cc or diesel <1,500cc):
    GST reduced from 28% to 18%, leading to price drops of ₹50,000 to ₹1.29 lakh
    Example: Maruti Alto K10, Swift, Wagon-R, Baleno
    Source: OneIndia
  • Larger vehicles (above 4,000 mm or engine >1,500cc):
    Now taxed at 40% flat, down from a combined 45–50% (GST + cess)
    Example: Mahindra Thar, Toyota Fortuner, Tata Safari

Indian Auto News Highlights – September 2025

🇮🇳 India Surpasses Japan in Auto Production

India has officially become the third-largest automobile producer in the world, overtaking Japan. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a bold vision to make India the top global auto manufacturer within five years, with a strong push toward electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel, and green mobility infrastructure.

Source: Mid-Day