In a significant development, 276 Indian nationals, who were detained in a rural French airport amidst a human trafficking investigation, have finally departed for India. The ordeal began when the charter plane, initially bound for Nicaragua from Fujairah airport, was grounded in France based on suspicions raised by an anonymous tip.
Witnessed by Associated Press reporters at Vatry Airport in Champagne country, the unmarked Legend Airlines A340 took flight after ensuring that all passengers and crew were aboard. Out of the 303 individuals initially detained, 276 are headed to Mumbai, while 25 others sought asylum in France. The remaining passengers were relocated to a dedicated area in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport meant for asylum-seekers.
Although the detained passengers included minors and a 21-month-old toddler, the situation escalated when two passengers were initially apprehended as part of the trafficking probe. However, they were released after a judicial review, receiving a ‘assisted witnesses’ designation under French law, signaling further investigations into the matter.
While French authorities delve deeper into the purpose of the flight, they have initiated a judicial inquiry into potential activities of organized criminal groups facilitating illegal entry or stay in countries. Although the U.N.’s definition of human trafficking involves exploitation for profit through deceit or force, French prosecutors have not explicitly confirmed this suspicion regarding the detained individuals.
Throughout the ordeal, Vatry Airport transformed into a hub of activity, with officials, medics, and volunteers ensuring the well-being of the detainees. Amidst legal proceedings and debates over passenger rights, the Indian Embassy expressed gratitude to French authorities for facilitating the return of its nationals, even amidst Christmas Eve and Christmas morning formalities.
Highlighting the complexities of the situation, some passengers, despite the arranged return to India, voiced dissatisfaction, indicating their initial intent for a tourism trip to Nicaragua. Meanwhile, the Legend Airlines has staunchly denied any involvement in the alleged trafficking, emphasizing their innocence in the unfolding events.
