Operation Numkhor fallout: Kochi resident files cheating case over alleged smuggled SUV

Kochi: Kerala Police have launched an investigation after a Kochi resident alleged that he was cheated by a Delhi-based used car dealer who sold him a luxury SUV reportedly smuggled from Bhutan, officials said on Monday.

The complaint surfaced after the buyer learned about the alleged fraud through Operation Numkhor, a major Customs crackdown last year targeting the illegal smuggling and sale of high-end vehicles from Bhutan in India, which led to multiple luxury car seizures.

The Ernakulam Central Police registered a cheating case on Sunday based on a complaint filed by a 22-year-old Kochi native. According to the FIR, the case has been registered against used car dealer Rohit Bedi, a resident of Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi.

The FIR states that the complainant was offered a Toyota Land Cruiser, allegedly used earlier by the Indian Embassy in Bhutan, for Rs 14 lakh. Believing the claim, he paid Rs 50,000 in cash on June 29, 2024, followed by Rs 4.5 lakh via bank transfer on July 1, 2024. Subsequently, a friend delivered Rs 5 lakh in cash in New Delhi, while another Rs 4 lakh was transferred through a bank account.

However, after purchasing the vehicle, the complainant discovered that the SUV had been illegally smuggled from Bhutan and re-registered in Himachal Pradesh before being sold to him, the FIR noted.

Police officials confirmed that the Toyota Land Cruiser was among the vehicles seized by Customs during Operation Numkhor after its illegal import was detected. The vehicle was later released to the complainant, who then initiated legal action against the dealer.

Investigators said they will seek detailed inputs from Customs officials regarding the smuggling network, modus operandi, illegal vehicle registration, and the suspected involvement of other individuals linked to the racket.

Operation Numkhor had earlier revealed a widespread illegal trade involving the smuggling of luxury SUVs and high-end cars from Bhutan into India, with several premium vehicles, including those linked to film personalities, seized during the enforcement drive.

Police officials added that this is the first case registered in Kerala relating to the illegal import of luxury vehicles from Bhutan following the Customs crackdown. 

PTI