Dulquer Salmaan moves HC, challenges Customs seizure of high-end car

Actor Dulquer Salmaan approached the Kerala High Court on Friday challenging the seizure of one of his high-end SUVs by the Customs department on the charge of tax evasion and seeking its release.

A Land Rover Defender was seized from his house at Elamkulam in Kochi as part of Operation Numkhor — a crackdown on celebrities who reportedly purchased high-end used cars/SUVs from Bhutan using forged documents.

He contended that he was the owner of the seized vehicle which he had purchased as collectors piece, since he had a passion for such vehicles. Alleging that the seizure was arbitrary and based on suspicion, Mr. Salmaan said he was using the 2004 model vehicle for the past five years, without complaint from any quarter.

He added that the Customs department did not have any facility to maintain such seized vehicles in safe custody. Ultimately, by the time all legal proceedings were over, the vehicles could end up condemned, losing utility and relevance and highly depreciated in value. No public interest was served by allowing the car to deteriorate in custody, the actor said and sought a directive to release the vehicle, while ensuring that its ownership and possession would remain with him.

He added that the car that he purchased from the Indian Red Cross, would be produced before the authorities concerned whenever needed.

The court sought the view of the Customs department on the matter.