ED Raids Actor Homes in Luxury Car Smuggling Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 17 locations across Kerala and Tamil Nadu in connection with a luxury car smuggling and foreign exchange violation case. Residences of popular actors Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj Sukumaran were among the premises searched.
Details of the Case
The investigation is linked to Operation Numkhor, targeting the alleged illegal import of luxury vehicles from Bhutan. Authorities suspect that forged documents and fraudulent re-registration were used to evade taxes and bypass foreign exchange rules, leading to violations under the FEMA Act.
Seized Vehicles and Legal Action
Earlier, customs officials had seized multiple vehicles, including a Land Rover Defender and a Nissan Patrol associated with Dulquer Salmaan. Some of these cars were provisionally released under safe custody. Salmaan has approached the Kerala High Court, insisting his vehicles were purchased through legal channels.
Next Steps in Probe
The ED is now examining financial documents, property records, and bank transactions linked to the case. Actors and others connected to the investigation may face questioning, while authorities assess whether assets need to be seized or penalties imposed.
