Dulquer Salmaan Moves Kerala HC Against Car Seizure, Says 'Purchased After All Legal Formalities'

Kochi, Kerala: On Friday, actor Dulquer Salmaan approached Kerala High Court challenging the customs department’s decision to seize his luxury vehicles. The actor’s two luxury cars were among the 36 high-end vehicles seized by customs as part of ‘Operation Numkhor’, a crackdown operation on illegally imported second-hand cars.

Customs authorities are currently investigating suspected tax evasion involving several cars including the actor’s. The officials had recently conducted raids at around 30 locations across Kerala, including the residences of actors Prithviraj Sukumaran and Dulquer Salmaan.

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During the operation, officials seized a Land Rover from Dulquer’s home in Elamkulam as part of the ongoing crackdown. A total of 36 high-end luxury cars which were illegally brought from Bhutan with forged documents were seized during the crackdown.

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However, Dulquer Salmaan’s petition challenged the legality of the seizure and sought relief from the High Court. As per reports, the vehicle was brought to India by the Red Cross, and he purchased it only afterwards. The actor said in his petition that he has completed all legal formalities before buying the car.

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The customs officials have said that they will issue summons to the owners of the seized cars, and direct the to produce relevant documents and appear before the officials in person for further investigation. The probe had reportedly revealed that some of these cars were used to smuggle gold and drugs evading taxes involving in money laundering.