Operation Numkhor: Actor Dulquer Salmaan's seized vehicle released with conditions

KOCHI: The car seized from actor Dulquer Salmaan as part of Operation Numkhor was released by customs, subject to conditions. The Land Rover Defender car was released. The car of Thrissur native Robin was also released today. 43 vehicles suspected of being smuggled from Bhutan were seized. Of these, only four vehicles, including one of Dulquer's, are currently with the customs. All the rest have been released.

The seized vehicles can be released only if a bank guarantee and a bond equivalent to 20 percent of the vehicle's price are submitted, along with the vehicle documents. Although the owner can use the vehicles, they must be produced when requested by customs. There is also a condition that the ownership or appearance of the vehicle cannot be changed.

Three of Dulquer's vehicles were seized in the inspections conducted in two phases. The Land Rover was seized in the first inspection. Dulquer had approached the court with a request to release this car, and the court directed him to approach the customs. The court had directed the customs to consider Dulquer's application. There is a provision in the customs law to release vehicles with conditions after considering the application. The additional commissioner of customs decided to release the vehicle after considering Dulquer's application.

Dulquer's Nissan Patrol is the only car left with customs. Another car was also taken into custody, but was allowed to remain there as it did not have a fitness certificate.