In a dramatic development that has sent ripples through the Malayalam film industry, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs officials conducted raids at the residences of actor-producer Dulquer Salmaan and actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran. The operation is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the import of luxury vehicles under the name of film production companies, including Lokah Studios, co-founded by Salmaan.
The raids, which took place across multiple locations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are linked to suspicions that high-end vehicles were imported using duty exemptions meant for film production purposes, but were instead used for personal or commercial gain. Authorities are examining whether the vehicles were falsely declared as equipment for filmmaking to evade customs duties.
Both Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj Sukumaran are prominent figures in the South Indian film industry, with Salmaan recently producing the ambitious sci-fi thriller Lokah and Prithviraj known for his directorial ventures and acting roles across Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi cinema. While neither actor has been formally charged, sources indicate that documents, digital records, and vehicle registration details have been seized for further scrutiny.
The investigation is still in its early stages, and officials have stated that more individuals connected to the production houses may be questioned. The case has sparked widespread media attention, raising concerns about the misuse of tax exemptions in the entertainment sector. Both actors have yet to release official statements regarding the raids.