Delayed Flight: Delayed flight, carrying 303 passengers, mostly Indians, expected to leave France after human trafficking suspicions | India News

NEW DELHI: A plane carrying 303 passengers, mostly Indians, is finally set to depart France after a three-day delay due to suspicion of human trafficking. Initially bound for Nicaragua, the aircraft was grounded near Paris following an anonymous tip.
The aircraft, initially bound for Nicaragua and originating from Dubai, UAE, was grounded at Vatry airport, 150 km east of Paris, on Thursday over concerns of human trafficking.French authorities conducted extensive questioning of passengers on Sunday, uncovering a mix of Hindi and Tamil speakers. However, irregularities in the investigation procedures led to the cancellation of further hearings before allowing the plane’s departure.
The plane is expected to take off Monday morning at around 2.30 pm IST, the lawyer for the airline, Liliana Bakayoko was quoted as saying. The flight is expected to head towards Mumbai, the country from which the passengers, potentially victims of human trafficking.

Expressing relief, Bakayoko mentioned that approximately 200 to 250 passengers, excluding those in police custody and asylum seekers, are expected to leave on this flight. “We are very relieved, we were looking forward to this,” the lawyer said.
Reports suggest that nearly forty passengers have applied for asylum. The airline’s commitment to cooperate with investigators was emphasized by the lawyer, who also mentioned plans to seek damages due to the significant harm suffered.
The airline denies any involvement in any trafficking ring, claiming responsibility for passenger verification rested with a separate “partner” company. This company reportedly provided travel documents 48 hours prior to the flight.

Reports suggest the passengers, potentially victims of the suspected scheme, aimed to reach Central America as a stepping stone for illegal entry into the United States or Canada. The alert regarding potential victims of human trafficking within an organized gang was received through an anonymous tip, prompting authorities to intervene.
Though human trafficking carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in France, the investigation remains ongoing. This incident highlights the complexities of human trafficking across international borders and the need for thorough procedures to protect vulnerable individuals.
(With inputs from agencies)