Malayalam actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan has landed in a controversy after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a raid at his house. His house was among the 17 locations across Tamil Nadu and Kerala where ED had raids. On Wednesday, he was seen arriving in Kochi but did not engage with the media upon being asked about the raids.
The properties of other popular Malayalam actors, including Dulquer’s father, Mammootty, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, were also investigated. According to ETimes, these raids are part of an investigation into a luxury vehicle smuggling racket, involving alleged illegal importation of high-end cars from Bhutan and possible violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). At least 40 luxury vehicles have reportedly been linked to some popular Malayalam stars.
Earlier, the Kerala High Court reportedly questioned the Customs Department to explain why they seized actor Dulquer Salmaan’s Land Rover. As per Live Law, the court said the officials had not given enough reasons or proof for taking the car.
During the hearing, Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A., who is handling Dulquer’s petition, asked customs officials to specify the documents and evidence supporting their actions.
The actor had approached the Kerala High Court on September 26 following the seizure of his 2004 Land Rover Defender, which he reportedly purchased last year. The confiscation occurred during raids where authorities seized 38 high-end luxury cars suspected of having been smuggled into India from Bhutan using forged documents.
On the professional front, Dulquer Salmaan has been basking in the success of his latest film ‘Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra’, which is produced under his banner. The movie stars Kalyani Priyadarshan in the lead role, and Tovino Thomas will lead the sequel.
He will next star in ‘Kaantha’ alongsideSamuthirakani and Bhagyashri Borse in the lead roles. The movie is based on the life of M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, who was an actor and carnatic singer.
