Customs officials and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted surprise raids across Kerala yesterday targeting a luxury car tax-evasion racket.
The raids covered cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Kozhikode and Malappuram. Among those affected were actors Prithviraj Sukumaran and Dulquer Salmaan.
Known for his love of luxury cars, Dulquer had two vehicles a Land Rover Defender and a Toyota Prado both with TN registration seized. He is said to be the third owner of one of the vehicles. Officials also searched his Kochi residence.
The racket involved cars imported from Bhutan, registered in Himachal Pradesh, and later moved to other states to evade taxes. Authorities inspected several luxury car showrooms and issued notices regarding the fraud.
In total, 36 high-end cars were seized in Kerala during the raids, including six belonging to actor Amith Chakkalakkal. Officials estimate 150–200 such vehicles could be involved in the state.
Malayalam Stars Prithviraj Sukumaran And Dulquer Salmaan’s Homes Raided In Luxury Vehicle Smuggling Case@Neethureghu shares in detail @GrihaAtul | #PrithvirajSukumaran #DulquerSalmaan #LuxuryCarScam #OperationNumkoor pic.twitter.com/so3SQGy9bI
— News18 (@CNNnews18) September 24, 2025
