Operation Numkhor: Customs release most seized cars to owners for safe custody, Dulquer’s SUVs still under probe

Kochi: The Customs Commissionerate (Preventive), Kochi, has released 33 out of the 39 vehicles seized under Operation Numkhor to their respective owners for safe custody. The remaining six vehicles, including actor Dulquer Salmaan’s two SUVs, a Land Rover Defender and a Nissan Patrol, and actor Amit Chakkalakkal’s Toyota Land Cruiser, continue to remain in Customs custody pending further investigation. 

The vehicles were seized as part of a crackdown on those suspected of having been smuggled into India from Bhutan, later registered in various states using forged documents and resold in Kerala. 

According to Customs sources, the decision to release the 33 vehicles was based on practical difficulties in securely storing them. “We have limitations in keeping so many high-value vehicles without risking damage. Hence, the vehicles have been released to owners after collecting bonds and bank guarantees equivalent to their market value,” an official said. 

However, the release is strictly for safe custody. “Owners are not permitted to use these vehicles. They must be parked securely and made available for inspection whenever required. The investigation is still ongoing, including into Dulquer’s vehicles,” the official added. 

So far, Customs have identified around 140 vehicles in Kerala suspected to be part of the smuggling network. They have sought the assistance of the Kerala Police and Motor Vehicles Department to trace the remaining vehicles. 

HC to consider Dulquer Salmaan’s petition 
Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday is set to consider Dulquer Salmaan’s petition seeking the release of his Land Rover Defender, which was seized by Customs on September 23. In his plea, Dulquer alleged that officials refused to examine valid documents and carried out the seizure in a hasty and arbitrary manner. He argued that prolonged custody would damage the vehicle due to exposure to weather. 

Dulquer stated he had purchased the Defender from Aarpee Promoters Pvt. Ltd., which had earlier acquired it from Habeed Mohammed, through an acquaintance named Vishnu, with the entire payment made through bank transfer. He said he was made to believe that the transferor had valid possession and registration of the vehicle, and that all invoices and customs documents indicated a legitimate import. “There is no mechanism available for an individual buyer to verify the ownership trail of a vehicle dating back to 2004,” the petition said. 

The court considered the plea on Monday but adjourned it to Tuesday as Customs had not yet submitted their response. Customs sources later confirmed that their reply was filed before the court on Tuesday. 

Following the petition, on September 27, Customs seized another SUV — a Nissan Patrol — belonging to Salmaan from a relative’s residence in Vennala, Kochi.