21 Gujaratis from flight detained in France return, authorities probe for trails
Currently, six agents, including Delhi-based kingpin Shashi Reddy, have been identified
Updated: Dec 27th, 2023
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| Image: IANS |
As the episode of illegal dreams of Indians to reach the US unfolded, over 300 passengers were stranded in France, embroiled in a human trafficking probe.
It turned out that a total of 21 Gujaratis, a number first believed to be 96, were aboard the detained flight, landed in Gujarat on the night of Dec 26.
French authorities had allowed 276 passengers, mostly Indians to fly back. While 25 of the passengers, including two minors, have sought asylum in France.
The top sources from the CID (crime investigation department) said that a total of 21 Gujaratis landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVIP) in Ahmedabad later in the night of Dec 26.
Today, the passengers are likely to go through questioning by the authorities . Investigations are underway to trace agents via passengers. Other agencies are also involved in breaking out the modus operandi and the entire human trafficking network.
21 Gujaratis among 276 passengers
The Nicaragua-bound chartered flight, which was detained on Dec 22, landed in Mumbai on Dec 26 with 276 passengers, of whom 21 are Gujaratis. However, the primary reports suggested that 300 passengers included 96 Gujaratis.
The list of 21 Gujaratis has been recovered by the authorities, who are from Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Anand, Patan, and Banaskantha. Their identities have not yet been revealed.
Currently, six agents, including Delhi-based kingpin Shashi Reddy, have been identified.
The interrogation of passengers will lead the investigating agencies to agents and their wider modus operandi.
The central agencies are also involved in the probe; moreover, efforts are underway to break the state’s, national, and international-wide network of illegal human trafficking.
The CID (crime) has asked for details of passengers who sought asylum in France from the central agencies.
