New Delhi/Paris:
Several Indians, including unaccompanied minors, remain stuck at an airport in France after local authorities yesterday grounded their plane for suspected “human trafficking”. The charter plane from Dubai bound for Nicaragua had 303 people on board, most of them Indians. The plane was grounded on Saturday during a technical stop at Vatry airport near Paris.
A French judge, who has the power to extend the passengers' detention by eight days, will hear the case today.
French border police can detain a foreigner for up to four days once he lands in the country and is not allowed to travel further. In exceptional cases, this can be extended by a judge several times by eight days – up to a total of 26 days.
The Indian Embassy in France has been given consular access and is assessing the situation. It said it is working with the French government for the welfare of Indians stuck at the airport.
Request for asylum
At least 10 Indian passengers have applied for asylum, AFP news agency reported, and six minors have also expressed interest in seeking asylum.
According to the Paris prosecutor's office, at least eleven unaccompanied minors are on board the plane.
The stranded passengers have been given makeshift beds and access to toilets and showers. They were provided with meals and hot drinks at Vatry airport, the official said.
Vatry in eastern France is about 150 km from Paris and the airport mainly serves budget airlines. The grounded Airbus A340 is owned by a Romanian charter company called Legend Airlines.
The Paris prosecutor said the action came after an anonymous tip that some passengers on board the plane were “victims of human trafficking.” Two men have been arrested and questioned by a specialist unit.
French law provides for a prison sentence of 20 years for human trafficking cases.
A lawyer claiming to represent Legend Airlines said the company believed it had done nothing wrong, committed no wrongdoing “and is at the disposal of the French authorities”.
She said the airline will take legal action if charges are filed.