Thu Oct 02 18:41:31 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Customs Preventive Unit in Kochi conducted a statewide operation named “Numkhor,” targeting illegally smuggled luxury cars from Bhutan. Raids were conducted at the residences of prominent figures, including actors Dulquer Salman and Prithiviraj, leading to the seizure of 37 premium vehicles. Officials suspect a Coimbatore-based group smuggled 150-200 vehicles into Kerala, utilizing forged documents and exploiting loopholes in registration processes. The operation raised concerns about national security due to potential use of these vehicles for trafficking contraband and possible manipulation of government websites. The investigation also highlights the need for modernization of the Motor Vehicles Department and raises questions about collusion and negligence in the vehicle registration process. The Customs investigation is ongoing, leaving uncertainties about the extent of the racket and the fate of the seized vehicles.

**News Article:**

**Luxury Car Smuggling Ring Busted in Kerala: Celebrities Under Scrutiny**

**Kochi, October 3, 2025** – A major smuggling operation involving high-end luxury vehicles has been exposed in Kerala, following a series of raids conducted by the Customs Preventive Unit in Kochi. Dubbed “Operation Numkhor,” the crackdown targeted the illegal import of luxury cars, primarily from Bhutan.

In a coordinated effort, authorities raided residences across Kochi, including those of prominent film actors Dulquer Salman and Prithiviraj, alongside other high-net-worth individuals and social media influencers. By the end of the day, 37 premium vehicles were confiscated.

According to T. Tiju, Commissioner of the Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate, Kochi, the operation aims to dismantle a Coimbatore-based group suspected of smuggling an estimated 150 to 200 luxury cars into Kerala over the past two years. Customs officials believe the vehicles were brought into India in various ways including being smuggled in a completely knocked-down condition, concealed within containers, or driven across the Indo-Bhutan border using permits issued to tourists traveling to India.

The investigation has revealed a sophisticated network of forgery and manipulation, with officials alleging the use of forged documents, including official insignias, to register the smuggled vehicles in other states. This, in turn, bypassed the standard import duties and regulations. The vehicles were then transported to Coimbatore and sold across the country.

“Nearly 90% of these vehicles were registered using forged documents,” said a Customs official. “We suspect collusion with officials at Regional Transport Offices in other states and even manipulation of the Parivahan website.”

The scope of the smuggling operation raises concerns about potential threats to national security. Customs officials suspect that the vehicles might have been used for trafficking gold, narcotics, and other contraband, even venturing to say the proceeds from the smuggling might have been used to fund terrorism.

“If gold and drugs could have been trafficked using these vehicles, then virtually anything could be smuggled in,” Tiju stated.

The Customs investigation is ongoing, with owners of the seized vehicles being asked to produce documentation. Failure to do so could lead to legal action. The sudden termination of a press briefing by the Customs Commissioner has added to the intrigue surrounding the case.

The incident has ignited a debate on the need for greater vigilance in vehicle registration and enhanced measures to combat smuggling activities. The probe further questions the accountability of government officials regarding verifying documentation and enforcing existing regulations. With the investigation in full swing, authorities anticipate more revelations in the coming weeks.

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