DRI and Customs seize luxury vehicles of Kerala celebrities under nationwide operation ‘Numkhor’

In a major anti-tax evasion drive, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs officials seized multiple high-end vehicles across Kerala on Tuesday, including a Land Rover Defender linked to actor Dulquer Salmaan. The 2012 model, registered in Tamil Nadu and now in Salmaan’s name, was brought under official custody as part of a coordinated crackdown on luxury car tax violations.

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The operation, codenamed “Numkhor,” involved simultaneous inspections at nearly 30 locations across Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Kozhikode, and Malappuram districts. Officials conducted thorough searches at several celebrity residences, including those previously associated with Malayalam film stars, highlighting the wide reach of the investigation. Vehicles connected to actor Amit Chakalackal were also seized, one registered in his name and another linked to a workshop associated with him.

High-end cars brought into India through Bhutan

Investigators uncovered a complex scheme to evade import duties on luxury vehicles. High-end cars were reportedly brought into India through Bhutan, initially registered in Himachal Pradesh, and later transported to other states with altered registration numbers. Authorities have identified at least eight categories of such vehicles in the network.

Customs teams, in collaboration with the Motor Vehicles Department, are inspecting showrooms and verifying ownership and import documentation. Notices will be issued to individuals from whom vehicles are seized.

Officials emphasized that while celebrity-linked seizures drew public attention, the broader operation targets both private individuals and commercial importers engaged in large-scale tax evasion. The “Numkhor” drive is expected to continue in multiple phases, focusing on registration irregularities, documentation, and transportation channels, aiming to dismantle the sophisticated network.