The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday (October 9) conducted extensive raids at 17 locations across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This included the properties of Malayalam superstars Dulquer Salmaan, Mammootty, and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Dulquer Salmaan refuses to comment to reporters
On Wednesday afternoon, Dulquer Salmaan was spotted arriving in Kochi amid the ED raids. Dressed casually in a blue shirt, jeans, and a hat, the actor was seen at the airport walking briskly past reporters who attempted to question him about the ongoing investigation. In videos widely circulated online, Dulquer maintained his silence and avoided engagement, before getting into his car and leaving the venue.This appearance came just a day after Dulquer reportedly received temporary relief from the court in connection with the same case, which has been under investigation since September.
About the latest ED raid
Reportedly, the searches were part of an ongoing investigation into a luxury vehicle smuggling racket which involves alleged illegal importation of high-end cars from Bhutan and possible violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).According to NDTV reports, the ED also raided the residences and offices of actors Amit Chakkalackal and several car traders, auto workshops, and intermediaries in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Coimbatore. The probe follows a Customs Department operation that previously unearthed unauthorised foreign exchange dealings and fraudulent registration of imported vehicles.
Luxury cars and ongoing FEMA probe
Reportedly, since the beginning of the probe, at least 40 luxury vehicles linked to prominent Malayalam film personalities have been seized, including a Nissan Patrol SUV and a Land Rover Defender registered under Dulquer’s name. A Land Rover belonging to Amit Chakkalackal was also confiscated amid suspicions of direct links with smugglers.Earlier in a chat with Manorama News, the actor Amit Chackalakkal said that only one vehicle of his was under the radar during the raid and rest of the 5 vehicles were in his garage for repair.
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