Dulquer Salmaan Seeks Return of Seized Land Rover in Operation Numkhor

Kochi: Actor Dulquer Salmaan has submitted an application to the Customs Additional Commissioner, requesting the return of a seized car as part of ‘Operation Numkhor,’ which aims to apprehend vehicles smuggled from Bhutan through tax evasion. Three of Dulquer Salmaan’s vehicles were seized by Customs, and the actor has specifically applied for the return of one of them, a Land Rover.

The application was submitted through his lawyer, following an interim order issued by the High Court. The Customs Additional Commissioner will make a final decision after reviewing the application and thoroughly examining the accompanying documents. The High Court had previously directed Customs to provide clear and explicit reasons if the vehicle cannot be released.

Meanwhile, Customs continues its efforts to seize more vehicles involved in similar tax evasion schemes. Despite the investigation being underway for a month, authorities have not yet discovered any new vehicles beyond the initial 39 identified in the first phase of ‘Operation Numkhor.’

In a related development concerning a money laundering case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has identified the owners of Shine Motors in Coimbatore as key intermediaries in the illicit operations. The ED is currently awaiting crucial forensic evidence, and once obtained, it is prepared to initiate stringent legal actions. While Customs has decided to record the statements of the Shine Motors owners, the ED has not yet made a decision regarding their interrogation in connection with the money laundering charges.