Mumbai:The saga of the plane carrying 276 passengers, primarily Indians, which was grounded in France over a suspected human trafficking probe, concluded as it landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai around 4 am today. The passengers, en route to Nicaragua, faced interrogation by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officials upon their arrival.
The Legend Airlines A340 plane, en route from Fujairah airport in the United Arab Emirates to Managua, Nicaragua, had made a stop for refueling in Vatry, France. However, it was grounded by French police based on an anonymous tip-off suggesting potential human trafficking.
The ordeal lasted four days, with passengers confined inside Vatry Airport. Legend Airlines lawyer Liliana Bakayoko clarified that some passengers resisted heading to India, as they had initially paid for a tourism trip to Nicaragua. The airline denies any involvement in possible human trafficking.
Key Updates:
1. The passengers arriving from France underwent immigration procedures and customs checks. Their statements were recorded, and they were allowed to exit the airport after nearly five hours.
2. Concealing their faces, passengers avoided media interactions upon their arrival at Mumbai airport.
3. French authorities reported that 276 of the original 303 passengers were en route to Mumbai, while 25 others requested asylum in France.
4. The remaining passengers were transferred to a special zone in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport for asylum-seekers. This group included a 21-month-old child and several unaccompanied minors.
5. Two passengers initially detained as part of the human trafficking investigation were released after appearing before a judge. The judge designated them as “assisted witnesses,” allowing further investigation.
6. French authorities are investigating the flight’s original purpose and have opened a judicial inquiry into activities by an organized criminal group aiding foreigners in illegal entry or stay in a country.
7. The Indian embassy expressed gratitude to French officials for facilitating the passengers’ return home.
8. Nicaragua has seen a surge in popularity as a destination for those seeking asylum in the US. The data shows a significant increase in Indians attempting to enter the US illegally, with many opting for flights known as ‘donkey’ or ‘dunki’ flights to Nicaragua or other countries with easier travel document acquisition.
