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Ahmedabad: In a significant turn of events, At least 20 passengers from Gujarat who were on the Nicaragua-bound flight which was sent back mid-route from France have been quizzed by police in a bid to unearth a suspected illegal immigration network operating from the state, a senior official has said. The investigation began after the return of a Nicaragua-bound Airbus A340 that was grounded at Vatry airport near Paris on suspicion of human trafficking. The flight was carrying 276 passengers, of whom at least 60 were from Gujarat. Authorities have questioned 20 of these travelers to determine their intentions and possible involvement in illegal immigration schemes to the United States.
Travelers reportedly paid agents hefty fees, between $48,000 and $150,000, for assistance in reaching the U.S. southern border from South America. The purpose of the investigation is to identify these agents and prevent further illegal activities. The incident has underlined the broader issue of illegal migration, as nearly 100,000 Indian immigrants have reportedly attempted to enter the US illegally this year.
French authorities also questioned two men for suspected human trafficking. However, after confirming that the passengers had boarded the plane voluntarily, they were released. In a surprise twist, 25 passengers sought asylum in France. The flight, operated by Romanian charter company Legend Airlines, originated from Dubai and was destined for Nicaragua.
The Gujarat Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has recorded the statements of 21 passengers of the plane. Many were unable to explain why they boarded a chartered flight filled primarily with single persons and unaccompanied minors. The CID has arrested eight of the 15 immigration agents booked in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar zones in a crackdown against agencies involved in facilitating illegal migration. 11 other agencies allegedly involved in this illegal work are also being investigated.
