Dulquer Salmaan Approaches Kerala High Court To Release Luxury Cars Seized By Customs In Raid, Claims Harm To Reputation

Actor Dulquer Salmaan has moved the Kerala High Court, seeking the release of his luxury vehicle seized during a recent customs raid, arguing that the seizure was unjustified and has adversely impacted

his reputation. The development comes days after the Customs Preventive wing carried out searches at the residences of several high-net-worth individuals in Kerala, including Dulquer and fellow actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, as part of Operation Numkhor.According to officials, the crackdown is linked to the alleged smuggling of luxury SUVs into India via Bhutan without paying the requisite taxes. Authorities suspect that more than 100 pre-owned premium vehicles, none manufactured in India, were illegally brought into the country and sold to businessmen and film personalities.

Dulquer Salmaan appeals to Kerala High Court

During the searches conducted at Dulquer’s residence on September 23, two of his luxury cars were seized. As per a report in News18, in his petition before the High Court, the actor specifically mentioned that one of the vehicles in question is a 2004 model Land Rover Defender. He argued that the car was originally shipped by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to its regional delegation in New Delhi, supported by an invoice dated June 8, 2004. The plea stated that the vehicle had been cleared through a bill of entry for home consumption filed by the ICRC itself.ALSO READ: Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Residences Raided Over Illegal Imported Of Luxury Vehicles In KeralaDulquer’s petition emphasised that the ICRC was the official importer of record, and therefore, no seizure could have been legally effected without considering the origin and authenticity of the documentation.

Dulquer Salmaan claims the raid's publicity has put him in bad light

The actor also expressed dismay over how the issue has been publicised in the media. “Publicity was given in media for vested reasons on the seizure, and the vehicle was carried as though included with certain other vehicles as being used for smuggling, carrying drugs, contraband and for anti-state activities. This has put the petitioner in a bad light, affecting his reputation,” the plea stated.The raids at Dulquer and Prithviraj’s residences have triggered a wave of discussion in Kerala, given both actors’ clean public image. The case now awaits the High Court’s decision on whether Dulquer’s seized vehicle will be released, as the broader Operation Numkhor investigation continues to unfold.