Malayalam cinema superstars Prithviraj Sukumaran and Dulquer Salmaan found themselves at the center of a major customs investigation as their residences were raided on September 23, 2025, as part of “Operation Numkhor” – a comprehensive crackdown targeting the illegal import of luxury vehicles from Bhutan. The high-profile operation has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and exposed a sophisticated smuggling network worth crores.
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Operation Numkhor: Unprecedented Scale of Investigation
The Customs Preventive Commissionerate in Kochi launched this massive operation across 30 locations in Kerala, including the homes of prominent Malayalam actors, industrialists, and high-net-worth individuals. The operation’s name “Numkhor” – meaning “vehicle” in the Bhutanese Dzongkha language – aptly reflects its focus on uncovering a complex vehicle smuggling racket.
| Operation Numkhor Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | September 23, 2025 |
| Locations Raided | 30+ across Kerala |
| Vehicles Seized | 38 luxury SUVs |
| Cities Covered | Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur |
| Investigating Agency | Customs Preventive Commissionerate, Kochi |
| Estimated Vehicles in Racket | 150-200 luxury vehicles |
Customs Commissioner T. Tiju revealed that the investigation, spanning five to six months, identified between 150 and 200 illegally imported vehicles in Kerala alone, with the total value of the smuggling operation yet to be fully quantified.
Prithviraj Sukumaran Under Investigation
Prithviraj Sukumaran, the acclaimed actor-director-producer, had his residences in both Kochi (Thevara) and Thiruvananthapuram searched by customs officials. While authorities confirmed that a vehicle registered in Prithviraj’s name has been identified as part of the investigation, it has not yet been seized, unlike some other vehicles in the operation.
The investigation into Prithviraj’s involvement centers around document verification of his luxury vehicles. Customs officials are examining whether any of his vehicles were part of the illegal import scheme that exploited loopholes in Indo-Bhutan trade agreements.
Dulquer Salmaan’s Vehicles Seized
The situation proved more serious for Dulquer Salmaan, son of legendary actor Mammootty. Customs officials confirmed that two vehicles registered in Dulquer’s name have been taken into custody as part of Operation Numkhor. His residence in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, was thoroughly searched during the raids.
Vehicle Documentation Under Scrutiny
| Actor | Action Taken | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dulquer Salmaan | 2 vehicles seized | Panampilly Nagar, Kochi |
| Prithviraj Sukumaran | Vehicle identified, documents examined | Thevara (Kochi), Thiruvananthapuram |
| Amith Chakalakkal | 6 vehicles seized | Multiple locations |
According to reports, Dulquer owned a Nissan Patrol while Prithviraj possessed a Land Rover, both luxury vehicles that fall under the category of high-end SUVs that were allegedly smuggled through the Bhutan route.
The Sophisticated Smuggling Network
The investigation has uncovered a highly organized criminal network that exploited multiple vulnerabilities in the vehicle import system. The racket centered around approximately 150 luxury vehicles discarded by the Royal Bhutan Army, which were auctioned at significantly lower prices in Bhutan before being illegally smuggled into India.
Modus Operandi Revealed
The smugglers employed three primary methods to bring vehicles into India:
- Dismantling vehicles in Bhutan and smuggling parts separately
- Concealing vehicles inside large transport containers
- Using individuals posing as tourists to drive vehicles across borders
Once in India, these vehicles were initially registered in border states like Himachal Pradesh using forged documents, particularly under the HP-52 series, before being sold in Kerala with fabricated No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and given Kerala registration numbers.
Broader Implications and Additional Seizures
The operation has expanded far beyond the initial celebrity raids, with customs officials seizing 38 luxury vehicles by September 24, 2025. The seized collection includes high-end SUVs such as Land Cruisers, Toyota Prados, Land Rovers, and other premium vehicles.
A Coimbatore-based gang has been identified as the primary facilitator of this smuggling network, with connections extending across multiple states. The investigation has also revealed that senior Union government officials, including the Director of the National TB Institute and the Secretary of the Central Silk Board, had unknowingly purchased smuggled vehicles.
Legal Ramifications and Multiple Agency Involvement
The complexity of the case has necessitated involvement from multiple agencies:
- Customs Department: Primary investigating agency
- Enforcement Directorate (ED): Probing black money transactions
- Central GST Department: Handling tax evasion aspects
- Kerala Police: Investigating fake documentation
- Motor Vehicles Department: Examining registration fraud
The case has potential implications for money laundering and could involve the Anti-Terrorism Squad if connections to terrorist funding are discovered.
Document Forgery and System Manipulation
Perhaps most concerning is the discovery that smugglers had manipulated the government’s Parivahan website and used forged documents bearing seals of the Indian Army and foreign embassies. This suggests the involvement of insiders within transport departments across various states.
Customs Commissioner Tiju emphasized that the manipulation of the official Parivahan portal could only have been achieved with assistance from “moles” within state transport departments, indicating potential corruption at multiple levels.
Industry Response and Cooperation
Both Prithviraj Sukumaran and Dulquer Salmaan are reportedly cooperating fully with the investigation. Neither actor has issued public statements regarding the raids, though sources close to the investigation suggest they may have been unknowing victims of the sophisticated fraud scheme.
The Malayalam film industry, known for its appreciation of luxury vehicles, has been shaken by the revelations. Many actors and industry figures are now reviewing their vehicle documentation to ensure compliance with import regulations.
Economic Impact and Tax Evasion
The financial implications of this smuggling network are staggering. Vehicles that cost approximately ₹10-15 lakh in Bhutan were being sold for up to ₹40 lakh in India, with buyers paying premium prices for what they believed were legitimately imported luxury vehicles.
The tax evasion aspect is particularly serious, as India maintains high import duties on both new and used vehicles. The customs department estimates that the exchequer may have lost crores in revenue due to this systematic evasion.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Developments
Operation Numkhor represents just the beginning of what authorities expect to be a comprehensive investigation into vehicle smuggling across India. The operation is set to expand nationwide, with similar raids planned in other states where the smuggling network operated.
The case highlights significant vulnerabilities in India’s vehicle registration system and the need for enhanced monitoring of cross-border vehicle movements, particularly through the porous Indo-Bhutan border.
As the investigation continues, more high-profile individuals may find themselves under scrutiny, and the full extent of this sophisticated smuggling operation will likely continue to unfold in the coming weeks.
FAQs
What is Operation Numkhor and why were Prithviraj Sukumaran and Dulquer Salmaan’s houses raided?
Operation Numkhor is a Customs investigation targeting the illegal import of luxury vehicles from Bhutan. Both actors’ residences were raided as part of examining vehicles suspected to be smuggled without paying proper customs duties.
How many vehicles belonging to the actors have been seized?
Two vehicles registered in Dulquer Salmaan’s name have been seized, while a vehicle in Prithviraj Sukumaran’s name has been identified but not yet seized. The investigation is ongoing.
What was the method used in the vehicle smuggling racket?
Smugglers bought decommissioned Bhutan Army vehicles at low prices, illegally imported them to India using fake documents, registered them initially in states like Himachal Pradesh, then sold them in Kerala at inflated prices.
Are the actors being treated as suspects or victims?
While both actors are under investigation, they are reportedly cooperating with authorities. It’s unclear whether they were knowing participants or unknowing victims of the sophisticated fraud scheme.
What are the potential legal consequences of this investigation?
The case involves multiple violations including customs duty evasion, document forgery, and potential money laundering. Penalties could include vehicle seizure, heavy fines, and criminal charges depending on the level of involvement established.
