Customs

Customs – Article illustration 1

The Kochi residences of actors Prithviraj Sukumaran and Dulquer Salmaan were searched by the Customs and Central Excise Department as part of Operation Numkhor. The investigation, which focuses on allegations of SUVs being smuggled into Kerala from Bhutan, was not limited to the actors alone. Several industrialists and used car dealerships across the state were also raided in connection with the suspected import of premium vehicles. According to customs officials, pre-owned SUVs from Bhutan were allegedly smuggled into India without paying taxes and sold to businessmen and film industry figures in Kerala. Searches are currently underway at around two dozen locations across the state.