In a major development under Operation Numkhor, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on October 8 carried out simultaneous raids at the residences of Malayalam film superstars Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Mammootty, the industry’s “Megastar” and Dulquer’s father, along with actor Amit Chakkalakkal. The searches, spread across 17 locations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are linked to an alleged racket involving the smuggling of high-end pre-owned luxury cars from Bhutan and unauthorised foreign exchange transactions.
Raids were carried out at two houses in Kochi and one in Chennai belonging to Dulquer Salmaan. It is alleged that the vehicles smuggled into the country were declared redundant by the Bhutan Army.
Kerala: Smuggling of luxury vehicles, Malayalam film stars under probe
Reports: T Satisanhttps://t.co/nf4M4ApinM
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The raids are being conducted under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged smuggling of vehicles and related unauthorised foreign exchange dealings. Raids are also taking place at the residences of vehicle dealers. The operation forms part of the primary phase of the investigation.
Earlier, the ED had seized Dulquer Salmaan’s Defender, Land Cruiser, and Nissan Patrol vehicles. Dulquer had approached the Kerala High Court, seeking the return of his Defender. He had reportedly raised serious allegations against the Customs Department. The High Court subsequently issued an interim order directing that the Defender be returned to Dulquer within a week.
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