NATIONAL: Dulquer Salmaan Moves High Court Over Seized Luxury Car
Malayalam star Dulquer Salmaan turned to the Kerala High Court on September 26, 2025, after customs officials seized his prized Land Rover Defender.
The move comes amid a sweeping probe into luxury vehicle imports from Bhutan, where authorities suspect tax evasion through forged papers.
Salmaan insists his purchase was above board, sparking a legal showdown over ownership and due process.
Raid Roots: Operation Numkhor Unfolds
The seizure traces back to ‘Operation Numkhor,’ a nationwide crackdown launched earlier this week to curb illegal high-end car entries.
Named after a Bhutanese term for ‘vehicle,’ the effort targeted over 30 sites in Kerala alone, netting around 36 vehicles from celebrities and business leaders alike.
Salmaan’s Kochi home at Elamkulam was among those searched on September 23, alongside spots linked to peers like Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Officials allege many cars, including the 2004 model Defender with Tamil Nadu plates, entered India via questionable routes.
Yet Salmaan counters that his was a legitimate secondhand buy from the International Committee of the Red Cross in New Delhi, complete with valid clearance.
Salmaan’s Stand: Legit Buy, Arbitrary Grab
In his writ petition, the actor demands the vehicle’s immediate release, calling the action unilateral and reputation-damaging.
He attached invoices, bills of entry, and payment proofs showing a cash transaction years ago, emphasizing full compliance with import norms.
Salmaan argues the media frenzy around the raids paints innocent owners as smugglers, ignoring his clean records.
This isn’t isolated; reports suggest over 150 such vehicles remain untraced nationwide, hinting at deeper networks. Salmaan’s case could spotlight buyer diligence in exotic imports.
Courtroom Next Steps
The High Court heard initial arguments before adjourning the matter to October 1, directing customs to file a counter-affidavit.
Justices urged a balanced review, weighing enforcement zeal against property rights. Until resolved, the Defender stays impounded, leaving Salmaan and fans waiting on the wheels of justice.
The dispute raises timely questions: How far should scrutiny go in celebrity garages? As probes widen, it tests the line between vigilance and overreach in India’s luxury market.