French authorities grill Indian passengers amid trafficking suspicions on grounded plane

French authorities are interrogating 300 Indian passengers on a Nicaragua-bound Airbus A340, grounded at Vatry airport near Paris over human trafficking concerns.

The aircraft, operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines, was detained after an anonymous tip-off suggested it might be transporting potential victims of human trafficking. 

Judges overseeing the case have the authority to extend the detention order, allowing border police to hold the plane for an initial eight days, with the possibility of an additional eight if needed.

The passengers, including 11 unaccompanied minors, are currently confined to the airport, with the judges granted a two-day window to complete interviews.

Annick Browne, the prosecutor for the Chalons-en-Champagne region, emphasised the goal of speaking to everyone and revealed that translators are assisting in the process.

Ten passengers have requested asylum, according to sources, while tarpaulin covers the airport's entrance hall and adjacent administrative buildings, restricting access.

Two passengers in custody since Friday had their detention extended for up to 48 hours to investigate their potential distinct roles in the transport.

French investigators are scrutinising the identity of passengers and flight crew, examining the circumstances and objectives of their travel. 

The Indian embassy in Paris is actively involved in seeking a swift resolution, assuring that consular officials are present at the site.

Patrick Jaloux, the head of civil protection in the Marne region, acknowledged the passengers' frustration after spending three nights in the airport. 

He noted that communication with families was ongoing, with some passengers speaking Hindi and others Tamil.

Insiders suggest that some Indian passengers may be workers from the United Arab Emirates, aiming to reach Nicaragua en route to the United States or Canada. 

The investigation continues to unfold as French authorities work towards ensuring the safety and well-being of those on board.