Chennai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence conducted fresh raids at the homes of Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan and several other film personalities. The enforcement action is part of an ongoing investigation into a luxury car smuggling network allegedly designed to evade customs duties.
Investigators are examining high-end imported vehicles reportedly registered in union territories such as Puducherry to avoid higher taxes in Kerala and other states. Officials are collecting registration documents, financial records, and other evidence to determine whether the individuals knowingly participated in the scheme or were misled by intermediaries.
Dulquer Salmaan’s name surfaced due to ownership links with one of the vehicles under investigation. Other actors, producers, and film industry figures are also being scrutinized as part of the probe. Authorities have not filed formal charges yet, indicating the inquiry is still at a preliminary stage.
The raids have sparked public debate over accountability among celebrities and the exploitation of loopholes in vehicle registration and taxation laws. Observers note that luxury car smuggling cases highlight gaps in regulatory oversight and the need for stricter enforcement of customs and state taxation rules.
At present, Dulquer Salmaan has not issued any public comment regarding the investigation. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this inquiry could influence how luxury car imports are monitored and taxed, especially when registered across multiple jurisdictions to reduce tax liability.
The DRI has emphasized that all individuals under investigation are entitled to due process and that the focus is on ensuring compliance with customs and taxation regulations.
