276 Rescued Passengers: Indians Return Flight Amid Trafficking Inquiry
- IndiaGlitz, [Tuesday,December 26 2023]
A charter plane investigated for human trafficking in France arrived in India with 276 Indian passengers early Tuesday, following a four-day halt at Vatry Airport. Initially bound for Nicaragua, the passengers faced an unexpected holiday ordeal as authorities held them.
Out of the original 303 passengers, 276 headed to Mumbai while 25 sought asylum in France. Those who remained were moved to a special area in Charles de Gaulle airport. The group included minors and a 21-month-old child.
Two passengers were held for inquiry but were later released as assisted witnesses, a special legal status allowing further investigation. The plane, en route from Fujairah airport in UAE to Nicaragua, was grounded based on a tip about potential human trafficking. French authorities are probing an organized criminal group aiding illegal entry or residence, refraining from confirming human trafficking suspicions.
The Vatry airport turned into a temporary court for emergency hearings. Some lawyers questioned the handling of the situation. The Indian Embassy expressed gratitude to French officials for facilitating the passengers' return.
Amid formalities for passengers to depart France, discussions revolved around transit zones, flight destinations, and possible tourism trips to Nicaragua, contested by Legend Airlines. Nicaragua, marked for human trafficking concerns, has been a gateway for migrants fleeing hardships due to lenient entry requirements and charter flight accessibility.