A Plane Carrying 300 Indian Passengers grounded in France!
A plane carrying 300 Indian Passengers grounded in France on suspicion of human trafficking.
Approximately 300 Indian nationals found themselves stranded in France when their plane was grounded due to suspicions of human trafficking. As investigations unfolded, local officials in the eastern region of Marne took swift action to provide care for the affected individuals. In a makeshift arrangement within the airport hall, emergency services set up beds, facilitated access to toilets and showers, and ensured the well-being of the 303 passengers while the inquiry continued.
Officials from the Marne prefect’s office ensured the stranded Indian nationals all arrangements
At Vatry airport, officials from the Marne prefect’s office ensured the stranded Indian nationals were not only provided with makeshift accommodations but also received meals and hot beverages. The Marne prefect’s office spokeswoman mentioned that representatives from the Indian general consulate were maintaining regular visits to oversee the well-being of the individuals affected by the situation.
Romanian charter company Legend Airlines made a technical stopover at Vatry Airport
France grounded a charter flight headed to Nicaragua carrying 303 Indian passengers on Friday to conduct a judicial investigation.The Airbus A340, belonging to Romanian charter company Legend Airlines, had flown in from the United Arab Emirates, and had landed at Vatry airport in eastern France for a technical stopover. The airport is 150 kms from Paris, and is mostly used by budget airlines.
On Thursday, a flight conducted by the Romanian charter company Legend Airlines made a technical stopover at Vatry Airport while en route from Dubai. However, the situation took a turn when French police intervened, as reported by the Marne prefect’s office on Friday.
The Marne prefect’s office revealed that a judicial investigation has been initiated to examine the circumstances and objectives of the trip. Specializing in organized crime, a dedicated unit is actively investigating the suspected involvement of human trafficking in this particular case.
According to AFP reports, the passengers on the immobilized plane, originally destined for Nicaragua, included 13 unaccompanied minors.
Two individuals were detained for questioning
On Friday, the Paris public prosecution office disclosed that two individuals were detained for questioning, noting that the authorities received information from an anonymous source that led to their apprehension.
However, on Saturday, the Paris public prosecution office refrained from providing any additional details or updates regarding the ongoing investigation.
plane’s crew had undergone questioning and had subsequently been released
On Saturday, a legal representative for Legend Airlines confirmed that the plane’s crew had undergone questioning and had subsequently been released. Speaking to BFM TV, attorney Liliana Bakayoko stated, “The members of the crew have been questioned, the questioning has ended, and they are all free to move. None has been put in custody.”
Bakayoko emphasized that the flight was chartered by a “trusted” client
Bakayoko emphasized that the flight was chartered by a “trusted” client, a non-European company that the airline opted not to disclose. Expressing bewilderment, she added that Legend Airlines did not comprehend the grounds for the plane’s grounding. Despite attempts to seek clarification, the Indian embassy in Paris and the Indian foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comments on Saturday.
The Indian Embassy in France reported that French authorities had notified them about a plane carrying 303 individuals, primarily of Indian origin, traveling from Dubai to Nicaragua. The aircraft was detained during a technical halt at a French airport. The embassy’s team has arrived at the scene, securing consular access. They are actively investigating the circumstances while ensuring the welfare of the passengers, as mentioned in a post on X.
Breaking: Indian Embassy in France says authorities informed of a plane wd 303 ppl, mostly Indian origin, from Dubai to Nicaragua detained at a French airport. Embassy team has reached & obtained consular access. Investigating the situation, also ensuring wellbeing of passengers https://t.co/PRR6reXFAb
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 22, 2023