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Malayalam Superstars in the Spotlight
In a dramatic turn of events shocking the Malayalam film fraternity, customs officials recently raided the homes of two of its biggest stars Prithviraj Sukumaran in Thevara and Dulquer Salmaan in Panampilly Nagar. The raids are part of a sweeping investigation into an alleged luxury car smuggling ring, reportedly involving high-end vehicles imported illegally from Bhutan and sold without paying taxes.
Operation Numkhor: Cracking Down on Illegal Imports
The sting operation, codenamed “Numkhor,” which means “vehicle” in Bhutanese, has cast a wide net across Kerala. Authorities are probing a racket that imported ex-Bhutan army vehicles at low auction prices and illegally brought them into India. These vehicles, including Land Rovers, Land Cruisers, and Prado SUVs, were allegedly registered with fake addresses to evade hefty customs duties before being sold at a premium to buyers including prominent businessmen and celebrities.
Wide-Ranging Raids Across Kerala
Beyond the star homes, customs teams have carried out raids at nearly 30 locations spanning dealerships in Malappuram and Kozhikode, as well as the residence of a businessman in Kalamassery. While no suspicious vehicles were found at Prithviraj’s Thiruvananthapuram home, officials are meticulously examining related documents and ownership trails as the probe intensifies.
Full Cooperation from Film Stars
Sources confirm that both Prithviraj and Dulquer are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigations. Authorities say the main objective is to dismantle the illegal network facilitating these smuggling activities, rather than implicating the end users who may have unknowingly purchased these vehicles.
Career Highlights Amid Controversy
Despite the cloud of the investigation, both superstars continue to shine professionally. Dulquer’s recent production Lokah, starring Kalyani Priyadarshan, has been a blockbuster, raking in over ₹139 crore in India in less than a month. Prithviraj’s directorial venture Empuraan also made waves at the box office, adding to his reputation as an accomplished filmmaker.
What Lies Ahead?
The investigation is ongoing, with customs officials expected to uncover more details in the coming days. As authorities zero in on the smuggling network, the entertainment world watches closely, awaiting statements from the stars and further developments in this high-profile case.
