Illegal Car Smuggling: Customs Raids Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Homes in Kerala

Kerala witnessed a major crackdown on illegal car smuggling as the Customs Preventive Wing launched state-wide raids targeting high-profile individuals. On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, officers executed a large-scale operation called Mission Numkhor, a term that means “vehicle” in Bhutanese. This mission aims to dismantle a network allegedly importing more than 100 luxury vehicles from Bhutan into India through fraudulent means.

Raids Target High-Profile Individuals

Customs teams searched nearly 30 locations across Kerala, including Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kuttippuram, and Thrissur. As part of the operation, officials inspected the residences of leading Malayalam actors Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj Sukumaran in Kochi. They also questioned industrialists and other wealthy individuals during the searches.

Officials confirmed that smugglers imported only foreign-made vehicles. They suspect the group declared brand-new luxury cars as used vehicles to bypass import restrictions and reduce duties.

How the Smuggling Network Worked

Authorities revealed that the syndicate exploited loopholes in the system and tampered with documents on the Parivahan portal of the Motor Vehicles Department and other online platforms. Investigators identified 10 to 15 separate violations, including forgery and fraudulent registration processes.

Customs officials stated that Indian law strictly bans the import of second-hand vehicles, and they confirmed that the cars entered the country illegally. They are now verifying every vehicle involved in the case and will seize any car without proper documentation.

Action Against Offenders

Sources confirmed that officials will take strict legal action against owners who fail to provide valid import papers. They plan to confiscate the vehicles and impose penalties under customs laws. Investigators continue to search more locations as they trace the network’s full extent.

With luxury vehicles linked to political convoys and celebrities now under the scanner, Mission Numkhor has ignited a massive debate in Kerala about high-end car smuggling and the tricks fraudsters use to bypass rules. Authorities call this mission just the beginning of a broader crackdown on illegal imports.

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