Bhutan army's 20 vehicles smuggled to Kerala; MVD begins investigation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Bhutanese army auctioned off vehicles registered in Himachal were even smuggled to Kerala. Intelligence reports suggest that 150 vehicles were brought to India. Of these, 20 were sold in Kerala for a high price.

The vehicles smuggled were Land Cruiser and Land Rover SUVs, earlier used by high-ranking officials. Tata SUVs used for patrolling and cargo vehicles also reached India. A racket consisting of officials and agents is operating to smuggle and register these vehicles. Following information from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the Motor Vehicles Department started an investigation. Some of those vehicles brought from Bhutan have been identified. There is also information that the number plates were changed after reaching Kerala. Officials say that the investigation is in its final stages and that more information cannot be released due to its confidential nature.

It was found that a car bought for Rs 1 lakh from Bhutan was sold for Rs 10 lakh in Kerala, and one bought for Rs 3 lakh was sold for Rs 30 lakh. Those who own Bhutanese vehicles will have to pay import tax and a fine. The punishment for changing the appearance of the vehicles is different. They are registered in Himachal Pradesh to mislead people into thinking that they are Indian vehicles.