Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan has again found itself in the spotlight as the Customs Preventive Department continues its investigation into an alleged luxury car smuggling network linked to cars being brought into India through the Bhutan border. The case is part of a broader crackdown on suspected tax evasion and illegal vehicle importation. While the actor maintains that he bought the vehicles through legal channels, the investigation is still ongoing as officials continue to examine the documents in the case.
Customs to ask Dulquer Salman: AGAIN
According to Mathrubhumi reports, Customs officials are preparing to question Dulquer Salmaan again after analyzing the statements he gave during the first round of questioning, which reportedly lasted for more than seven hours. Officials have also asked the actor to submit additional documents related to the luxury vehicles being checked. The new inquiry is said to be part of an ongoing investigation and comes after the agency reviews its earlier responses. So far, the Customs Department has not made any allegation of wrongdoing against the actor, and the inquiry remains at the investigative stage.
Four luxury cars under the scanner
The investigation was conducted under “Operation Numkhor,” a special drive launched by the Customs Preventive Department to investigate the alleged illegal import of luxury cars from Bhutan to India. As part of the operation, officers seized four luxury vehicles linked to Dulquer Salmaan, including a Land Rover Defender, a Toyota Land Cruiser, a Nissan Patrol, and another Nissan used in one of his films. The cars were later released to the actor following a court order after he gave a huge bank guarantee. The court also ordered that the vehicles should be produced when needed by investigators and should not be taken outside the state without permission.
The actor admitted that he bought the cars legally
Dulquer Salmaan has consistently maintained that he is not aware of any alleged irregularities involving the vehicles. According to reports, the actor told the Customs officials that he bought all the luxury cars legally from the previous owners in India using valid documents and bank transactions. Meanwhile, the wider investigation of Operation Numkhor has focused on an alleged network accused of importing luxury vehicles using fake documentation to evade taxes. This investigation is said to cover several states including Kerala, Assam, and Rajasthan, as investigators try to dig up information about the possible smuggling ring. The investigation is still ongoing, and the investigating body has not yet made any findings public.