Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan has approached the Kerala High Court to seek the release of his luxury vehicle, a Land Rover Defender (2004 model), which was seized by customs officials. The seizure was part of a larger operation called "Operation Numkhor," which targeted luxury vehicles allegedly imported illegally from Bhutan to evade customs duty. "Numkhor" means "vehicle" in Bhutanese.

During Operation Numkhor, customs officials conducted raids across Kerala, including at the residences of actors Prithviraj Sukumaran and Amit Chakalakkal, in addition to Dulquer Salmaan. Authorities seized approximately 38 high-end luxury cars during the operation, suspecting that around 200 vehicles were illegally imported from Bhutan into Kerala.

In his petition to the High Court, Dulquer Salmaan has challenged the legality of the seizure, asserting that he purchased the vehicle legally and that he was not involved in any illegal activity. He stated that he bought the car under the belief that the previous owner had valid ownership and that it was properly registered with the Motor Vehicle Department. He argued that there was no reason for him to suspect that the import or sale was illegal.

Salmaan's petition also noted that the Land Rover Defender was initially shipped to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in New Delhi and was cleared through the appropriate customs channels. He submitted that he had provided all relevant documents, including customs clearance papers and invoices, to the customs officials. According to the actor, the customs officials seized his vehicle without properly examining the documents he presented. He claims that this action was hasty and arbitrary.

Dulquer also voiced concerns regarding media coverage of the vehicle seizures, which he believes has damaged his reputation by associating his vehicle with those allegedly involved in smuggling, narcotics, and anti-state activities.

The High Court has directed the Customs Department to respond to Dulquer Salmaan's petition. The case is scheduled for further hearing on September 30. Dulquer has requested the court to quash the seizure memo and order the release of his vehicle.