Several Indians, including unaccompanied minors, are currently stranded at an airport in France after their plane was grounded due to suspicions of “human trafficking”. The charter plane, carrying 303 people, mostly Indians, was en route to Nicaragua from Dubai when it made a technical halt at Vatry airport near Paris.
Today, a French judge will hear the case and has the authority to extend the detention of the passengers by eight days. According to French border laws, foreign nationals can be held for up to four days upon landing in the country if they are not allowed to travel further. In exceptional cases, a judge can extend this detention period for up to 26 days.
The Indian embassy in France is closely monitoring the situation and working with the French government to ensure the welfare of the stranded Indians at the airport. Consular access has been obtained, and assessments are being made to address the passengers’ needs.
News agency AFP reports that 10 Indian passengers have already applied for asylum, while six minors have expressed their interest in doing the same. Additionally, there are at least 11 unaccompanied minors among the stranded passengers, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.
The airport authorities have provided makeshift beds, access to toilets and showers, as well as meals and hot drinks to the stranded passengers. Vatry airport, located about 150 km from Paris, primarily serves budget airlines. The grounded Airbus A340 belongs to a Romanian charter company called Legend Airlines.
The decision to ground the plane was prompted by an anonymous tip-off suggesting that some of the passengers onboard were victims of human trafficking. As a result, two individuals have been detained and questioned by a specialized unit. French law prescribes a 20-year jail term for human trafficking cases.
A lawyer representing Legend Airlines, the charter company, has stated that they believe they have committed no offense and are fully cooperating with the French authorities. The airline is prepared to take legal action if charges are filed.
The situation is ongoing, and further updates are awaited.
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