The Kerala Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate has launched a large-scale crackdown across the state under the special drive called Operation Namkhor. The operation targeted the illegal import of luxury vehicles from Bhutan into Kerala. On September 23, raids were carried out simultaneously in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kuttipuram, and Thrissur. The action created ripples in the film industry as the homes of popular Malayalam actors Dulquer Salman and Prithviraj Sukumaran were also searched.
According to officials, several high-end SUVs were purchased from Bhutan for less than ₹5 lakh and later smuggled into India. These vehicles were reportedly re-registered with Kerala number plates and sold for up to ₹40 lakh without paying the necessary import duties and taxes. This resulted in massive revenue losses for the government.
The investigation also revealed that smugglers were routing vehicles through Himachal Pradesh, using temporary addresses to register them before reselling in Kerala. While Dulquer Salman and Prithviraj’s residences were searched, customs officials later confirmed that neither actor owned any illegal vehicles. However, suspicions remain that certain celebrities and businessmen could have benefited from the racket.
Authorities have warned that even though the cars were legally sold in Bhutan, importing them into India without proper clearance and tax payments is a serious violation. The crackdown is expected to expand as more names surface in connection with the case. Operation Namkhor has already brought Kerala’s illegal luxury car trade under the national spotlight.