ED Summons Dulquer Salmaan to Residence During Raid in Bhutan Vehicle Scam Probe
Kochi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned actor Dulquer Salmaan to his residence during an ongoing raid related to the Bhutan vehicle scam. Dulquer Salmaan was at his Chennai home in the morning and arrived at Nedumbassery Airport in the afternoon. The actor did not respond to the media waiting at the airport and left directly in a car with his friends. Customs had previously stated that they would seek information from Dulquer, making it likely that he might appear at the Customs office later today.
The ED raids were conducted at the residences of actors Mammootty, Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj, and Amit Chakkalakkal. Simultaneous searches were carried out at 17 locations, including Mammootty House, the new residence shared by Mammootty and Dulquer in Elamkulam, Dulquer’s Chennai home, Prithviraj’s residence, and Amit Chakkalakkal’s house in Kadavanthra. Raids are also underway at the homes of vehicle dealers across five districts. The ED stated that the inspections are related to violations of FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) regulations.
The ED reported that the raids are based on information about a syndicate involved in the illegal import and registration of luxury cars such as Land Cruiser and Defender via Bhutan/Nepal routes into India. Preliminary findings indicate that the Coimbatore-based network used forged documents (believed to be from the Indian Army, US Embassy, and MEA) and fabricated RTO registrations in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and other states. These vehicles were subsequently sold at reduced prices, including to film actors. The ED clarified that the action was initiated following prima facie evidence of violations under Sections 3, 4, and 8 of FEMA.
Inspections are being conducted in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kottayam, and Coimbatore. The ED confirmed that 17 locations are being searched, including the residences and establishments of film actors Prithviraj, Dulquer Salmaan, and Amit Chakkalakkal, along with premises of several vehicle owners, auto workshops, and traders.