The Kerala High Court sought the response of the Customs Preventive Department to a petition filed by Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan, who has challenged the seizure of his vehicle during a major crackdown on luxury cars allegedly smuggled into India from Bhutan.
The bench of Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. directed the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to respond and instructed the department’s counsel to produce relevant instructions by September 30, the next date of hearing.
Dulquer’s Petition
In his plea, Dulquer contended that the vehicle in question, a 2004 Land Rover Defender, had been imported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for its Regional Delegation in New Delhi. According to him, the vehicle was duly cleared through a bill of entry filed by the ICRC and later sold through lawful channels.
The actor submitted that he purchased the SUV from Aarpee Promotors Pvt Ltd, which had earlier acquired it from one Habeeb Mohammed, in whose name it was registered. Dulquer argued that he had every reason to believe the ownership and registration were valid and that there was no indication of irregularity.
He further alleged that customs officials refused to examine the documents he presented and seized the vehicle in what he described as a “hasty and arbitrary manner.”
Appeal for Custody of Vehicle
Highlighting the lengthy nature of proceedings, Dulquer requested that the vehicle be released to him in the interim to ensure it does not deteriorate while lying unused. “If the vehicle is handed over to me, it will be maintained in good motorable condition,” his plea stated. He also sought the quashing of the seizure memo issued by the department.
Operation Numkhor Raids
The seizure formed part of “Operation Numkhor,” a large-scale enforcement drive launched by Customs earlier this week. Officials conducted searches at nearly 30 locations across Kerala, including the residences of prominent film actors Prithviraj Sukumaran, Dulquer Salmaan, and Amit Chakkalackal.
The operation led to the seizure of 36 luxury vehicles, allegedly smuggled into the country from Bhutan using forged papers. Investigators also unearthed evidence suggesting that some of these vehicles were being misused for gold and narcotics smuggling.
Customs Commissioner Tiju described the case as one with serious implications for national and economic security, warning that such smuggling networks could facilitate money laundering, tax evasion, and even terrorist financing.
Case Details
Case Title: Dulquer Salman Versus Commissioner Of Customs
Case No.: WP(C) NO. 35869 OF 2025
Date: 26/09/2025
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