Nicaraguan plane with more than 275 Indian passengers reaches Mumbai from France – Dainik Savera Times

A chartered flight from Nicaragua carrying more than 275 passengers reached Mumbai early Tuesday. Officials gave this information. The plane carrying mostly Indians was detained for four days in France on suspicion of ‘human trafficking’. The plane was held for four days at the small Vatri airport, about 150 kilometers from Paris, sparking an international diplomatic row.

The flight, originating from Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, and bound for Sandino Airport in Managua, Nicaragua, was stopped at Vatri Airport last Thursday after alleged human trafficking. French police and legal authorities launched an investigation and detained two passengers for alleged involvement in an illegal immigration racket. Later, about 25 passengers, including two minors, said they sought asylum in France and would remain there.

On Monday, the two captives were freed, and the Airbus A-340 was cleared for takeoff. The drama began last Thursday when the flight with 303 passengers, mostly Indians, including 11 minors, grounded due to technical issues at Vatri airport. Here the aircraft was provided basic emergency service. French authorities investigated on suspicion of an illegal immigration racket, interrogated the crew and detained two passengers for about two days before being released.

According to local French media, Indian mission officials were also in regular contact with the passengers during this period. After French police and judicial authorities completed the investigation, the plane was allowed to take off around 2.30 pm on Monday and reached Mumbai at 4 am on Tuesday.