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.
🎯 What Is Operation Numkhor?
Officials are investigating a network that allegedly smuggled high-end SUVs from Bhutan, registered them using forged documents in Himachal Pradesh, and sold them to celebrities and businessmen in Kerala. Vehicles were reportedly disguised as second-hand imports to evade customs duties.
🏠 Raids at Celebrity Residences
- Dulquer Salmaan’s residence in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi
- Prithviraj Sukumaran’s homes in Thevara and Thiruvananthapuram
Officials confirmed that vehicle documents are under scrutiny. No illegal vehicles were found at Prithviraj’s Thiruvananthapuram home.
📈 Why It Matters
This case exposes loopholes in Indo-Bhutan trade protocols and raises questions about due diligence in high-value vehicle purchases. Both actors are cooperating with authorities, and the investigation is ongoing.