On October 8, 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted coordinated raids at 17 locations across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, including the Chennai residence and film production company of Malayalam superstar Mammootty. These raids are part of an ongoing probe into a luxury car smuggling and unauthorised foreign exchange racket allegedly involving a Coimbatore-based syndicate.
Alongside Mammootty, other prominent actors like his son Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Amit Chakkalakkal are under investigation. The ED suspects forged documents and hawala transactions were used to import and sell luxury vehicles undervalued. Mammootty’s team has denied any wrongdoing and assured full cooperation with authorities as the investigation continues.
ED Expands Probe into Luxury Car Smuggling Network
The raids today marked a significant escalation in what the ED describes as “Operation Numkhor,” an extensive inquiry into the illegal import of luxury cars through Bhutan and Nepal. These vehicles, including Toyota Land Cruisers and Land Rover Defenders, are said to have been smuggled using forged documents that impersonated official government agencies such as the Indian Army, the US Embassy, and the Ministry of External Affairs.
The ED alleged these cars were sold to celebrities and private buyers at substantially undervalued prices, creating a complex web of financial irregularities and foreign exchange violations.
Officials confirmed that these actions fall under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), highlighting unauthorised foreign exchange dealings and hawala channel transactions. The operation included multiple searches of actors’ residences, film production companies, auto dealerships, and repair workshops.
Enforcement officers, assisted by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, emphasised the raids were lawful and ongoing, aimed at gathering irrefutable evidence to build a firm case.
Mammootty’s Management Denies Allegations
Despite the massive scale of the raids and public scrutiny, Mammootty’s representatives categorically denied any involvement in illegal activities. They stressed the actor and his family were fully cooperating with the ED and committed to transparency throughout the investigation.
The production house of Mammootty, Wayfarer Films, was also searched during the raids, but no immediate evidence linking the company to wrongdoing was reported. Supporters of the star have expressed concern about the impact of such high-profile investigations on personal reputation, calling for fairness during the legal process.
Background: The Emergence of “Operation Numkhor”
This investigation began intensifying after the seizure of 36 luxury cars across Kerala and Tamil Nadu in late September 2025. The Customs department initially uncovered attempts to circumvent import duties and regulations using falsified documentation and false declarations of ownership.
The probe then widened when financial trails revealed potential money laundering and unauthorised foreign exchange movements tied to a network operating out of Coimbatore.
In addition to vehicle smuggling, the ED is reportedly exploring connections to broader illegal activities such as gold smuggling and drug trafficking, although these leads are still under investigation. The involvement of several high-profile celebrities has caught the public eye and raised questions about the penetration of unlawful practices even in elite social circles.
Mammootty and other actors targeted have maintained professionalism, continuing their work amid the ongoing inquiries, while no formal charges have yet been filed.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, there is a firm belief in the rule of law and the necessity of investigative agencies performing their duties without hindrance. However, it is equally vital to uphold the presumption of innocence, ensuring fairness and dignity for everyone, especially those in the public eye. Public discourse should reflect empathy and understanding rather than premature judgment, recognising the human stories behind news headlines.
The intertwining of celebrity culture with serious legal probes must be navigated with sensitivity, promoting peace and constructive dialogue rather than division.
