Operation Numkhor

Operation Numkhor
Operation nameOperation Numkhor
TypeCustoms enforcement operation
ScopeKerala, India (with alleged links to the Indo–Bhutan border)
Participants
Initiated byCommissionerate of Customs (Preventive), Kochi
Executed byCommissionerate of Customs (Preventive), Kochi
Mission
ObjectiveTo identify and seize vehicles alleged to have been illegally imported into India from Bhutan using forged documentation and to investigate associated customs duty and tax evasion.
MethodSearches/raids, document verification, seizure of vehicles, and questioning of owners and intermediaries
Timeline
Date begin2025
Results
Miscellaneous resultsDozens of vehicles seized; investigations and adjudication proceedings ongoing (as of January 2026)

Operation Numkhor is a law enforcement operation launched in September 2025 by the Commissionerate of Customs (Preventive), Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala. The operation targets an alleged network involved in the illegal import of luxury and second-hand vehicles into India from Bhutan, with authorities alleging the use of forged documents and irregular registrations to evade customs duty and domestic taxes.[1][2] The term numkhor was reported by customs officials and Indian media to mean "vehicle" in Dzongkha, the national language of Bhutan.[2][3][4]

The initial searches covered more than 30 locations across Kerala and resulted in the seizure of 36 vehicles on the first day, with later reporting putting the total at 38 within two days and 43 by 9 October 2025.[1][5][6] As of January 2026, customs officials stated that the investigation and documentation checks were continuing, including the issuance of show-cause notices and verification with transport authorities and other government offices.[7]

Background

According to the Customs (Preventive) Commissioner for Kochi, the operation followed intelligence inputs, including information from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), that high-end vehicles were being brought into India via the Indo–Bhutan border and then circulated in Kerala.[2] Customs and media reports described several alleged methods for bringing vehicles into India, including importation in "completely knocked down" condition inside containers and the use of vehicles disguised as tourist vehicles that were not taken back across the border.[1][2][3]

Customs officials alleged that forged documentation was used to register or re-register some vehicles in India, and that a large share of the vehicles under scrutiny were registered under false names or addresses.[2][3]

Operation

Launch and searches

The operation began on 23 September 2025, with coordinated searches reported at more than 30 locations across Kerala, including Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Malappuram.[1][3] Searches were conducted with support from Kerala state agencies including the transport commissionerate, the Anti-Terror Squad and the state police.[1][3]

Residences of several high-profile individuals, including Malayalam film actors, were among the locations searched.[8][9][1]

Seizures and follow-up actions

Seizure of 36 premium vehicles were reported on 23 September 2025, with subsequent seizures bringing the reported total to 43 by 9 October 2025.[1][5][6][10] On 8 October 2025, The Times of India reported that customs had provisionally released 33 of 39 seized vehicles to their owners for safe custody under Section 110A of the Customs Act, subject to conditions including secure parking and a prohibition on using the vehicles while adjudication was pending.[11]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Manav, Haritha (23 September 2025). "Operation Numkhor: Dulquer Salmaan's cars among 36 smuggled vehicles seized". The News Minute. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Operation Numkhor: Coimbatore-based gang was under customs lens for over five months". The New Indian Express. 24 September 2025. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Customs seize 36 smuggled luxury cars in Kerala; actors Dulquer Salmaan, Amith Chakkalakkal among owners under probe". Onmanorama. 23 September 2025. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  4. ^ "Operation Numkhor: Customs carry out raid to curb illegal vehicle imports to Kerala from Bhutan". The Economic Times. 2025-09-23. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
  5. ^ a b "Arunachal Pradesh-Linked Land Cruiser fuels Customs probe into Bhutan car smuggling, raid on Dulquer Salmaan's house". NDTV. Press Trust of India. 25 September 2025. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  6. ^ a b "Operation Numkhor: Customs seize three more SUVs; two 'linked' to actor Amith Chakkalakkal". Onmanorama. 9 October 2025. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  7. ^ Nazer, Abdul M A (22 January 2026). "Operation Numkhor: Kochi Customs intensify probe as cheating cases emerge over seized luxury vehicles". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  8. ^ "Operation Numkhor: Customs carry out raid to curb illegal vehicle imports to Kerala from Bhutan". The Economic Times. 23 September 2025. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  9. ^ Tom, Disney (24 September 2025). "'Operation Numkhor': Customs raids homes of actors Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj in luxury vehicle smuggling case". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  10. ^ "Vehicle linked to Operation Numkhor: Kochi City police register case". The Hindu. 2026-01-12. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
  11. ^ "Customs releases 33 vehicles seized under Op Numkhor". The Times of India. 8 October 2025. Retrieved 27 January 2026.

Content Disclaimer

Informasi ini disarikan dari Wikipedia dan disajikan kembali untuk tujuan edukasi. Konten tersedia di bawah lisensi CC BY-SA 3.0. Kami tidak bertanggung jawab atas ketidakakuratan data yang bersumber dari kontribusi publik tersebut.

  1. The information displayed on this website is sourced in part or in whole from Wikipedia and has been adapted for the purpose of restating it. We strive to provide accurate and relevant information, however:
  2. There is no guarantee of absolute accuracy. Wikipedia is an open, collaborative project that can be edited by anyone, so information is subject to change.
  3. It is not intended to constitute professional advice. The content displayed is for informational and educational purposes only. For important decisions (e.g., medical, legal, or financial), please consult a professional.
  4. Content copyright. Wikipedia is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License (CC BY-SA). This means that content may be reused with appropriate attribution and shared under a similar license.
  5. Responsible use. Any risk arising from the use of information from this website is entirely the responsibility of the user.