Operation Numkhor: Amit Chakkalackal Says Only One Seized Car Belongs to Him

The Customs Preventive Department raided the residence of Malayalam actor Amit Chakkalackal on Tuesday, targeting a high-profile smuggling ring involving luxury vehicles allegedly brought illegally from Bhutan. The operation, dubbed "Operation Numkhor" (meaning "vehicle" in Bhutanese), led to the seizure of seven high-end cars from Chakkalackal’s residence and workshop. However, the actor insists that only one of the vehicles—a 20-year-old second-hand Land Cruiser he has owned for five years—belongs to him.

Chakkalackal addressed the media on Wednesday, clarifying that the other six luxury vehicles seized from his premises were brought to him for repairs or renovation by their respective owners. "I’ve been transparent with the authorities. Last November, they issued summons regarding these vehicles, and I provided all the necessary documents. Yesterday, during the raid, I handed over the same documents again. Now it’s up to the customs department to verify their authenticity," he stated.

The raids, which spanned 30 locations across Kerala, also targeted the homes of other prominent actors, including Prithviraj Sukumaran and Dulquer Salman. A total of 36 luxury vehicles were seized in what authorities describe as a sophisticated smuggling operation. According to the Customs Department, these vehicles were illegally imported from Bhutan using forged documents bearing seals of the Indian Army and the US Embassy, raising serious concerns about the scale of the operation.

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The department revealed that the smuggled vehicles were not only sold in India but also used in illegal activities, including gold and drug smuggling. Preliminary investigations have uncovered additional violations, such as income tax evasion, GST fraud, and potential money laundering linked to the vehicles. Authorities are also probing whether funds from these illegal activities were funneled into terrorist operations, adding a chilling dimension to the case.

Chakkalackal, visibly shaken, emphasized his cooperation with the authorities. "I’m not involved in any smuggling. My Land Cruiser is a legitimate purchase, and I’ve provided all proof of ownership. The other cars were in my workshop for professional reasons," he reiterated.

The raids have sent shockwaves through Kerala’s film industry, with questions swirling about the involvement of high-profile figures. The Customs Department has vowed to continue its investigation, promising to leave no stone unturned in unraveling the full extent of the smuggling network. As the probe deepens, the public awaits further revelations in this high-stakes scandal that has gripped the state.

Also Read: Operation Numkhor Busts Kerala Luxury Car Racket, Stars Implicated