Royal Bhutan Army’s vehicle; Customs inspection at Dulquer Salmaan’s house

Following intelligence reports that vehicles auctioned off by the Royal Bhutan Army were illegally smuggled into India, Customs carried out a raid at actor Dulquer Salmaan’s residence as part of a nationwide investigation named “Operation Namkhoor.” Reports indicate that two vehicles, including a Defender, were seized during the inspection.

Earlier, it was revealed that around 150 decommissioned Royal Bhutan Army vehicles had been smuggled into India, registered in Himachal Pradesh, and then resold at up to four times their original price.

The smuggled vehicles included Land Cruisers, Land Rovers, Tata SUVs, and Mahindra-Tata trucks. These were registered under Himachal Pradesh’s “HP-52” series and sold in Kerala. Vehicles originally auctioned by the Bhutan Army for less than ₹5 lakh were being resold in Kerala for up to ₹40 lakh, according to investigators.

Customs has also uncovered a method in which luxury vehicles imported from abroad were first brought into Bhutan, registered there using fake addresses, and then moved to Kerala, benefiting from tax exemptions.

It remains unclear what role Dulquer Salmaan personally had in the case. If he purchased the vehicle directly from Bhutan, he may be considered an accused; if it was acquired through intermediaries, he may instead be treated as a witness.

Customs also raided the residences of actors Prithviraj and Amit Chakkalakal. Reports suggest that the homes of other Malayalam film stars may also come under inspection.