Plane detained amidst human trafficking probe finally departs France, heads to India

A charter plane, ensnared in a human trafficking investigation in France, has finally taken off for India after a prolonged holiday ordeal.

Approximately 300 Indian passengers, originally bound for Central America, were stranded at Vatry Airport in Champagne country for four days, marking an unusual and challenging experience during the festive season.

The unmarked Legend Airlines A340, central to the investigation, departed on Monday with a total of around 200 people, including the crew and passengers, including a 21-month-old child and 11 unaccompanied minors under special administrative care. Notably, several passengers sought asylum in France, adding complexity to the already unique situation.

Two individuals were detained, facing potential charges, while the rest of the passengers were permitted to leave the French airport. Authorities did not comment on the speculated ultimate destination of the passengers, raising questions about whether the US, witnessing an increased influx of Indians crossing the Mexico-US border, was the intended final stop.

The Vatry Airport, requisitioned by the police during the investigation, turned into a makeshift courtroom on Sunday, hosting emergency hearings to determine the next steps for the stranded passengers. Lawyers at these hearings raised concerns about the overall handling of the situation and the passengers' rights.

The departure of the plane was delayed as French authorities worked through formalities on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning to facilitate the passengers' exit from the Vatry airfield.

Legend Airlines lawyer Liliana Bakayoko stated that approval was received to transport 301 of the 303 passengers on a direct flight to Mumbai, but the final figure might be lower. 

Some passengers expressed reluctance to travel to India, claiming they had paid for a tourism trip to Nicaragua. Legend Airlines has vehemently denied any involvement in potential human trafficking.

Under French law, foreigners can be held for up to four days in a transit zone for police investigations, following which a special judge decides whether to extend the detention for an additional eight days. 

During the ordeal, local officials, medical personnel, and volunteers ensured the well-being of the passengers by providing cots, regular meals, and showers at Vatry Airport.

The incident has shed light on the complexities surrounding immigration, human trafficking suspicions, and the challenges faced by those caught in the crossfire of legal investigations during international travel.