Operation Numkhor: Crackdown on Smuggled Luxury Vehicles in Kerala

Major Raids Target Smuggled Vehicles

Officials from the Customs Preventive Department have conducted extensive raids across Kerala to uncover and seize luxury vehicles illegally brought into India from Bhutan, using counterfeit documents bearing military and U.S. embassy seals. The Commissioner of the Customs Preventive Commissionerate in Kochi, T. Tiju, revealed during a press conference that nearly 30 locations, including the residences of film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Dulquer Salmaan, and Amit Chakkalakkal, were searched on Tuesday, resulting in the confiscation of 36 high-end cars. This operation has been dubbed 'Operation Numkhor.'

Details of the Operation

The term 'Numkhor' translates to 'vehicle' in Bhutanese. Tiju elaborated that many of these illegally imported vehicles were reportedly used for smuggling gold and narcotics, leading to several cases being registered. He emphasized, "If they can smuggle cars, gold, and drugs, they can bring anything into the country. This poses a significant threat to national and economic security."

Investigating Broader Criminal Activities

The Customs Commissioner also indicated that their preliminary investigations have uncovered various illegal activities associated with the smuggled vehicles, including tax evasion and money laundering. Furthermore, they are probing whether the funds generated from these illegal activities were utilized for terrorist operations.

Methodology of Smuggling

Raids were simultaneously executed in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Malappuram, and other areas. Officials detailed the smuggling operations, stating that these vehicles were often brought into India either in severely damaged condition, concealed within containers, or disguised as tourist vehicles.

Use of Fake Documentation

Tiju explained that once the vehicles reached India, they were registered in various parts of the country using carefully crafted fake documents. Notably, these registrations involved the fraudulent use of names, seals, and insignias from the Indian Army and foreign embassies, including the U.S. embassy.

Collaboration with Local Authorities

With assistance from the Kerala Transport Commissionerate, ATS, and state police, approximately 30 locations were raided based on intelligence regarding the smuggling of 'overpriced second-hand cars' through the India-Bhutan border. Initial findings suggest that many of these vehicles are owned by affluent individuals like Prithviraj and Dulquer, who may have purchased them either knowingly or unknowingly.

Next Steps in the Investigation

While no vehicles belonging to Prithviraj were seized, two of Dulquer Salmaan's vehicles have been identified. The authorities plan to record statements from these individuals and examine the documentation of their vehicles to determine their awareness of the illegal activities. Tiju stated, "They will be summoned to present their statements to us."

Potential Consequences

If it is established that the vehicles were illegally imported into India, regardless of the current owners' knowledge, they will be confiscated. Should it be revealed that the current owners were aware of the vehicles' illegal status, further action will be taken against them. Tiju noted that there are approximately 150 to 200 such vehicles in Kerala, with 36 seized during the day's operations, and raids will continue until the remaining vehicles are confiscated.

Wider Implications

These vehicles are not registered in Kerala and are operated under the names of unknown individuals, making them difficult to trace. Tiju remarked, "Thus, these vehicles pose a threat to us." He also mentioned that similar vehicles exist in other states, indicating the possibility of a nationwide operation.