Among the locations raided are residences of popular Malayalam actors Dulquer Salmaan(L) and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Credit: PTI File Photo
Thiruvananthapuram: The Enforcement Directorate is reportedly carrying out raids at the houses of prominent actors in Kerala on Wednesday.
According to sources, raids are being carried out in around 15 places, including houses of actors Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran and Amit Chakkalackal.
Officials from the ED’s Kochi unit carried out raids at three of Dulquer Salmaan’s homes and at Mammootty’s residence as part of a preliminary inquiry into the case.
The raids are a sequel to the recent seizure of imported cars by the Customs Department from these actors for allegedly evading Customs duty by importing through Bhutan.
The Narcotics Control Bureau was also learnt to be looking into the suspicions that narcotic substances were also smuggled along with some of the cars.
Raids were also reportedly held at the house of actor Mammootty in connection with the seizure of his son Dulquer's car.
Around 40 vehicles were seized by the Customs in Operation Numkhor drive last month on charges of illegally importing used vehicles from Bhutan by evading the Customs duty. Customs officials suspect that around 200 luxury vehicles from Bhutan were illegally imported to Kerala. A majority of those cars could not be traced yet.