Kochi: Customs officials have seized a red Nissan Patrol SUV linked to actor Dulquer Salmaan from an apartment complex in Vennala, where a relative of the actor resides. This marks the latest seizure in the ongoing Bhutan luxury vehicle smuggling investigation, bringing the total number of confiscated vehicles to 40, including three connected to Dulquer Salmaan.
Details of the seizure
According to Customs sources, the SUV was allegedly smuggled from Bhutan, brought to Himachal Pradesh, re-registered, and subsequently sold to the actor. Investigators are reportedly compiling details on all four vehicles linked to Dulquer, which include two Land Rovers and two Nissan cars.
The actor, however, has consistently maintained that all vehicles were purchased legally from previous owners within India, with proper documentation and completed financial transactions.
Petition in Kerala High Court
Dulquer recently approached the Kerala High Court seeking the release of a 2004 Land Rover Defender seized earlier. In his petition, he stated that the SUV had originally been shipped by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to its regional delegation in New Delhi.
He described the seizure as illegal and claimed that Customs authorities failed to verify the documents he submitted. Dulquer requested the court to cancel the seizure order and release his vehicle immediately.
Actor’s stance and cooperation
Reiterating his readiness to provide all necessary licenses and documents, Dulquer stressed that he has always acted within the law. He alleged that officials refused to verify the papers and acted with preconceived bias.
Dulquer added that the seizure and the ensuing narratives caused him “serious embarrassment,” with rumours linking him to gold smuggling, narcotics, and even anti-national activities, unfairly tarnishing his reputation.
On the work front
Despite the ongoing investigation, Dulquer Salmaan recently announced the second part of Lokah, which will feature Tovino Thomas in the lead role. He will also be next seen in the upcoming film I’M Game.