303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France. The passengers detained by the French authorities are back in India. An unaccompanied boy from Gujarat onboard flight from France missing. Watch to get more insights!

France Plane Row | India: Police working to find the missing boy

France Plane Row: 2-year-old adds to 'donkey flight' mystery

<p>As the world is set to ring in 2024, countries are ramping up security measures in order to ensure safe celebrations amid heightened terror threats linked to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>France will deploy close to 90,000 police officers across the country, with 6,000 of them in Paris alone, for the weekend's New Year's celebrations due to the 'very high' terrorist threat.</p>

<p>"I have called for an extremely high turnout of police and security forces given the context of the very high terrorist threat due to, clearly, what is happening in Israel and in Palestine," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said&nbsp;on Friday (Dec 29).</p>

<p>He further added that for the very first time, the police officers would be permitted to make use of the drones as a part of the security efforts and that tens of thousands of firefighters would also be deployed along with 5,000 soldiers.</p>

<h2><strong>Germany: Authorities bar sightseeing visits to Cologne's iconic cathedral</strong></h2>

<p>German authorities banned sightseeing visits to Cologne's iconic cathedral during Christmas celebrations last and worshippers had to undergo security checks amid growing fears of attack.</p>

<p>Police said that they were taking stern measures to safeguard the iconic cathedral during New Year's celebrations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-strike-kills-at-least-14-in-city-of-belgorod-says-russia-675107">Ukrainian strike kills at least 14 in city of Belgorod, says Russia</a></p>

<p>The precautionary security efforts are being made to prevent any possible attacks said officer in charge Martin Lotz.</p>

<p>"Even if the reference was to New Year's Eve, there are a lot of people in the area around the cathedral, today is Christmas Eve midnight Mass, it is one of the most visited cathedrals, and the main train station is nearby," said police spokesperson Wolfgang Baldes, as per Associated Press report.</p>

<p>“There are a lot of people, and that's why we said that if there was an indication, we would do everything necessary to protect people.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in Austria, the security was heightened around&nbsp;churches and Christmas markets in&nbsp;Vienna.</p>

<h2><strong>Authorities tighten security around Times Square, US</strong></h2>

<p>The FBI is setting up efforts to secure Times Square for visitors who are expected to attend the New Year's Eve celebrations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police officials will set up a perimeter from Sixth Avenue to Eighth and from 41st Street to 57th, as per CBS reports.</p>

<p>The New York City Police Department is also preparing for demonstrations near the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting in November.</p>

<p>"There's a protest every day in New York City, so there's certainly going to be a protest on New Year's Eve," said NYPD Intelligence Division Commanding Officer John Hart.</p>

<p>"Those who want to peacefully protest, have the right to do so. But you're not going to do it at the expense of disrupting those who are coming here to peacefully bring in the new year," Mayor Eric Adams said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the world is set to ring in 2024, countries are ramping up security measures in order to ensure safe celebrations amid heightened terror threats linked to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

As the world is set to ring in 2024, countries are ramping up security measures in order to ensure safe celebrations amid heightened terror threats linked to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. France will deploy close to 90,000 police officers across the country, with 6,000 of them in Paris alone, for the weekend's New Year's celebrations due to the 'very high' terrorist threat. "I have called for an extremely high turnout of police and security forces given the context of the very high terrorist threat due to, clearly, what is happening in Israel and in Palestine," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Friday (Dec 29). He further added that for the very first time, the police officers would be permitted to make use of the drones as a part of the security efforts and that tens of thousands of firefighters would also be deployed along with 5,000 soldiers. Germany: Authorities bar sightseeing visits to Cologne's iconic cathedral German authorities banned sightseeing visits to Cologne's iconic cathedral during Christmas celebrations last and worshippers had to undergo security checks amid growing fears of attack. Police said that they were taking stern measures to safeguard the iconic cathedral during New Year's celebrations. Also read: Ukrainian strike kills at least 14 in city of Belgorod, says Russia The precautionary security efforts are being made to prevent any possible attacks said officer in charge Martin Lotz. "Even if the reference was to New Year's Eve, there are a lot of people in the area around the cathedral, today is Christmas Eve midnight Mass, it is one of the most visited cathedrals, and the main train station is nearby," said police spokesperson Wolfgang Baldes, as per Associated Press report. “There are a lot of people, and that's why we said that if there was an indication, we would do everything necessary to protect people.” Meanwhile, in Austria, the security was heightened around churches and Christmas markets in Vienna. Authorities tighten security around Times Square, US The FBI is setting up efforts to secure Times Square for visitors who are expected to attend the New Year's Eve celebrations. Police officials will set up a perimeter from Sixth Avenue to Eighth and from 41st Street to 57th, as per CBS reports. The New York City Police Department is also preparing for demonstrations near the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting in November. "There's a protest every day in New York City, so there's certainly going to be a protest on New Year's Eve," said NYPD Intelligence Division Commanding Officer John Hart. "Those who want to peacefully protest, have the right to do so. But you're not going to do it at the expense of disrupting those who are coming here to peacefully bring in the new year," Mayor Eric Adams said. (With inputs from agencies)

Global terror alert: Cities ramp up security measures for New Year celebrations amid 'high risk' of attacks

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<p>French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Friday (Dec 29) that his government would tighten security for New Year&nbsp;celebrations in France due to a 'very high' terror&nbsp;threat,&nbsp;news agency Reuters reported. "I called for an extremely strong mobilisation of the police and gendarmerie services against the backdrop of a very high terrorist threat. Of course, because of what is happening in Israel and Palestine," Interior Minister Darmanin told reporters.</p>

<p>Darmanin added that he had asked for the mobilisation of more than 90,000 police and gendarmes, plus 5,000 soldiers from Operation Sentinelle. " There will also be tens of thousands of firefighters, as the Sécurité Civile will be particularly mobilised," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/israel-hamas-war-biden-hamas-and-different-degrees-of-empathy-672798">Israel-Hamas war: Biden, Hamas, and different degrees of empathy</a></strong></p>

<p>"We (will) have around ten National Gendarmerie helicopters that fly all over the country, helping the police to carry out what we call manoeuvres, spotting problems and helping the police to intervene. But also, and this is something completely new for 31 December, we'll be flying drones, which proved highly effective during the Rugby World Cup, as well as in the fight against urban violence. So a lot of airborne resources are provided for by law," the minister further said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A growing risk of attacks by extremists</strong></h2>

<p>The French interior minister's remarks comes amid&nbsp;growing risk of extremist attacks not just in France, but the whole of Europe since the war between Israel and Hamas started on October 7.</p>

<p>Nearly a week into the conflict, a high school teacher in France's Arras was stabbed by a former student who claimed he was a member of the Islamic State (IS). The attacker also made a marginal reference to the Israel-Hamas war before stabbing 57-year-old Dominique Bernard of the Lycee Gambetta High School.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Dec 2, a 26-year-old <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-one-dead-two-others-injured-after-man-attacks-tourists-near-eiffel-tower-665588">French national upset over the conflict </a></strong>attacked tourists near the Eiffel Tower. The attacker, a male, attacked a tourist couple with a knife on the Quai de Grenelle, mortally wounding a German national.</p>

<p>he then attacked two other people with a hammer after being chased by the police and getting&nbsp;arrested. Interior Minister Darmanin said the man was upset about the Gaza war and&nbsp;Muslims&nbsp;dying in Afghanistan and Palestine.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Is a global jihad emerging against the West? | Dark World</strong></p>

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<p>The 26-year-old had been sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for planning another attack. He was on the French security services' watch list, and was also known for having psychiatric disorders, Darmanin added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Friday (Dec 29) that his government would tighten security for New Year celebrations in France due to a 'very high' terror threat, news agency Reuters reported.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Friday (Dec 29) that his government would tighten security for New Year celebrations in France due to a 'very high' terror threat, news agency Reuters reported. "I called for an extremely strong mobilisation of the police and gendarmerie services against the backdrop of a very high terrorist threat. Of course, because of what is happening in Israel and Palestine," Interior Minister Darmanin told reporters. Darmanin added that he had asked for the mobilisation of more than 90,000 police and gendarmes, plus 5,000 soldiers from Operation Sentinelle. " There will also be tens of thousands of firefighters, as the Sécurité Civile will be particularly mobilised," he said. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Biden, Hamas, and different degrees of empathy "We (will) have around ten National Gendarmerie helicopters that fly all over the country, helping the police to carry out what we call manoeuvres, spotting problems and helping the police to intervene. But also, and this is something completely new for 31 December, we'll be flying drones, which proved highly effective during the Rugby World Cup, as well as in the fight against urban violence. So a lot of airborne resources are provided for by law," the minister further said. A growing risk of attacks by extremists The French interior minister's remarks comes amid growing risk of extremist attacks not just in France, but the whole of Europe since the war between Israel and Hamas started on October 7. Nearly a week into the conflict, a high school teacher in France's Arras was stabbed by a former student who claimed he was a member of the Islamic State (IS). The attacker also made a marginal reference to the Israel-Hamas war before stabbing 57-year-old Dominique Bernard of the Lycee Gambetta High School. On Dec 2, a 26-year-old French national upset over the conflict attacked tourists near the Eiffel Tower. The attacker, a male, attacked a tourist couple with a knife on the Quai de Grenelle, mortally wounding a German national. he then attacked two other people with a hammer after being chased by the police and getting arrested. Interior Minister Darmanin said the man was upset about the Gaza war and Muslims dying in Afghanistan and Palestine. Also watch: Israel-Palestine war: Is a global jihad emerging against the West? | Dark World × The 26-year-old had been sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for planning another attack. He was on the French security services' watch list, and was also known for having psychiatric disorders, Darmanin added. (With inputs from agencies)

France to tighten security for New Year celebrations due to 'very high' terror threat

As the year comes to an end and the world prepares for New Year celebrations France will have large numbers of police and soldiers who will be deployed across the country. France's Interior Minister credits the security tightening to the very high terrorist threat that the country is facing.

France: European security officials warn of growing risk of attacks on New Year's Eve

25 Indian passengers seeking asylum in France- have been freed. This is after their flight from the UAE was grounded last week. Prosecutors have ordered their release on 'formal grounds'. As per the attorneys, border police had not referred the case to the judge within the legal time frame. Among the 25 passengers, five minors were taken into child welfare services. These 25 people were among 303 passengers who boarded a plane operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines in Dubai.

Indians from grounded plane seeking asylum in France freed on 'formal grounds'

<p>The Mumbai Police, in collaboration with the Anti-Human Trafficking cell, has launched an investigation into the chartered plane that was grounded at a French airport on December 21.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mumbai Police special IGP, IPS officer Deepak Pandey has asked the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officials, who had reportedly interrogated the passengers on their arrival back to the country, to submit detailed reports to city police within 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened with the plane and passengers?</strong></h2>

<p>On December 21, 303 Indian passengers boarded a Legend Airlines' A340 flight operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines in Dubai. The plane had stopped in Vatry, France for refuelling, where, based on a tip-off that alleged the plane was carrying suspected victims of trafficking&nbsp;was grounded for four days.</p>

<p>After being grounded and interrogated by the French authorities, the plane landed in Mumbai on December 26, albeit with 276 passengers. The rest had applied for asylum and were transferred to a special zone in Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport for asylum-seekers.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plane-held-in-france-with-303-indian-passengers-onboard-departs-for-mumbai-673434">Plane with Indians grounded in France lands in Mumbai, only 276 passengers return</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday (Dec 27), 25 Indian passengers from the plane who had stayed back, were freed by a judge, who ordered their release on formal grounds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per prosecutors, this was done considering that the head of the border police at France's main Charles de Gaulle airport "had not referred the case" to the judge within the timeframe stipulated by law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among the passengers who stayed in France were five minors, who have now been taken into the care of child welfare services.</p>

<h2><strong>Indian authorities intensify probe&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>While the French authorities have seemingly dropped the human trafficking angle, the Indian government is continuing its probe. According to an official at the home ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, the registration of the chartered flight and “people operating this entire nexus” had been identified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, passengers of the chartered plane had arrived in UAE at different times and each of them had legal tourist visas for entering Dubai. However, they all congregated at the same place and left for Nicaragua together before the flight was cut short in France.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/first-visuals-of-passengers-of-plane-grounded-in-france-returns-with-276-indian-passengers-673559"><strong>Watch | First visuals of passengers of plane grounded in France; returns with 276 indian passengers</strong></a></p>

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<p>As most of the returned passengers are from Punjab and Gujarat, the authorities in the respective states have also launched their own investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, the fulcrum of the investigation remains unearthing who facilitated the travel of 303 Indians.&nbsp;<br />
Before their release from the Indian airports, the passengers were questioned by immigration and law enforcement agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The initial interrogations have revealed that some agents (touts) had fixed a deal with the majority of them, charging anywhere between Rs 40 lakh ($48,000) to Rs 1.5 crore ($180,000) to send them illegally to America.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, two touts were arrested by the Gujarat&nbsp;Crime Investigation Department (CID) which is expected to reveal the entire operation of the syndicate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They used to forge bank statements and other documents to help people secure visas and obtain passports,” a CID official told <em>Hindustan Times.</em></p>

<p>One of the 17 FIRs names 47-year-old Dineshbhai Baldaniya, owner of Lakshmi Overseas Consultancy in Ahmedabad, accusing him of forging documents. The authorities are on the lookout for other agents who have seemingly gone underground since the flight was stopped.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Mumbai Police, in collaboration with the Anti-Human Trafficking cell, has launched an investigation into the chartered plane that was grounded at a French airport on December 21.

The Mumbai Police, in collaboration with the Anti-Human Trafficking cell, has launched an investigation into the chartered plane that was grounded at a French airport on December 21. Mumbai Police special IGP, IPS officer Deepak Pandey has asked the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officials, who had reportedly interrogated the passengers on their arrival back to the country, to submit detailed reports to city police within 24 hours. What happened with the plane and passengers? On December 21, 303 Indian passengers boarded a Legend Airlines' A340 flight operated by Romanian company Legend Airlines in Dubai. The plane had stopped in Vatry, France for refuelling, where, based on a tip-off that alleged the plane was carrying suspected victims of trafficking was grounded for four days. After being grounded and interrogated by the French authorities, the plane landed in Mumbai on December 26, albeit with 276 passengers. The rest had applied for asylum and were transferred to a special zone in Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport for asylum-seekers. Also read | Plane with Indians grounded in France lands in Mumbai, only 276 passengers return On Tuesday (Dec 27), 25 Indian passengers from the plane who had stayed back, were freed by a judge, who ordered their release on formal grounds. As per prosecutors, this was done considering that the head of the border police at France's main Charles de Gaulle airport "had not referred the case" to the judge within the timeframe stipulated by law. Among the passengers who stayed in France were five minors, who have now been taken into the care of child welfare services. Indian authorities intensify probe While the French authorities have seemingly dropped the human trafficking angle, the Indian government is continuing its probe. According to an official at the home ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, the registration of the chartered flight and “people operating this entire nexus” had been identified. Notably, passengers of the chartered plane had arrived in UAE at different times and each of them had legal tourist visas for entering Dubai. However, they all congregated at the same place and left for Nicaragua together before the flight was cut short in France. Watch | First visuals of passengers of plane grounded in France; returns with 276 indian passengers × As most of the returned passengers are from Punjab and Gujarat, the authorities in the respective states have also launched their own investigation. Currently, the fulcrum of the investigation remains unearthing who facilitated the travel of 303 Indians. Before their release from the Indian airports, the passengers were questioned by immigration and law enforcement agencies. The initial interrogations have revealed that some agents (touts) had fixed a deal with the majority of them, charging anywhere between Rs 40 lakh ($48,000) to Rs 1.5 crore ($180,000) to send them illegally to America. Earlier this week, two touts were arrested by the Gujarat Crime Investigation Department (CID) which is expected to reveal the entire operation of the syndicate. “They used to forge bank statements and other documents to help people secure visas and obtain passports,” a CID official told Hindustan Times. One of the 17 FIRs names 47-year-old Dineshbhai Baldaniya, owner of Lakshmi Overseas Consultancy in Ahmedabad, accusing him of forging documents. The authorities are on the lookout for other agents who have seemingly gone underground since the flight was stopped. (With inputs from agencies)

France 'human trafficking' plane: What has happened so far in the case

<p>As the world prepares to welcome the new year, retailers and producers of fruits and vegetables in France are bracing for an impact as a law banning the use of single-use plastic comes into force on January 1. France has set an aim to be fully single-use plastic-free by the year 2040 and implementation of the law is a step in that direction.</p>

<p>The use of single-use plastic is still widespread in France, especially in the sale of fresh fruits and vegetables. According to a France24 report, a third of fresh produce grown in the country is sold this way.</p>

<p>The law, aiming to drastically reduce the use of single-use plastic, will ban the use of plastic film and even netting.</p>

<p>"It used to be a miracle product...But as always we didn't consider consequences," an elderly woman told France24 while referring to plastic.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | France: Over 700 Airbus employees take ill after Christmas party, dinner organised for 2,600 people</strong></p>

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<p>Steps taken to reduce or eliminate the use of single-use plastic find support among the public in France.</p>

<p>However, fresh food producers expressed concern about the latest drastic measure and said that they are not ready to bring about such a change.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-plane-row-indian-police-forms-teams-to-bust-illegal-immigration-673925">France plane row: Indian police form teams to bust illegal immigration network</a></strong></p>

<p>"We don't have a miracle product which is affordable and can be put to immediate use instead of plastic. Either the material isn't totally transparent, or it breaks easily or isn't moisture-proof," said Laurent Gardin, President of the Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Producers' Association, as quoted by France24.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missing-uk-boy-turns-up-in-france-police-open-investigation-672593">British police investigate case of UK boy who disappeared and turned up in France</a></strong></p>

<p>But the ban is not a blanket ban. The government has reportedly deemed it legal for some products to be sold in single-use plastic. Twenty-nine foodstuffs are currently exempt from this ban. The list includes early-harvest potatoes and carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, salads, berries and certain other fresh products. In addition to this, exemption from this rule would also apply to items that are considered fragile.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the world prepares to welcome the new year, retailers and producers of fruits and vegetables in France are bracing for an impact as a law banning the use of single-use plastic comes into force on January 1.

As the world prepares to welcome the new year, retailers and producers of fruits and vegetables in France are bracing for an impact as a law banning the use of single-use plastic comes into force on January 1. France has set an aim to be fully single-use plastic-free by the year 2040 and implementation of the law is a step in that direction. The use of single-use plastic is still widespread in France, especially in the sale of fresh fruits and vegetables. According to a France24 report, a third of fresh produce grown in the country is sold this way. The law, aiming to drastically reduce the use of single-use plastic, will ban the use of plastic film and even netting. "It used to be a miracle product...But as always we didn't consider consequences," an elderly woman told France24 while referring to plastic. Watch | France: Over 700 Airbus employees take ill after Christmas party, dinner organised for 2,600 people × Steps taken to reduce or eliminate the use of single-use plastic find support among the public in France. However, fresh food producers expressed concern about the latest drastic measure and said that they are not ready to bring about such a change. Also Read | France plane row: Indian police form teams to bust illegal immigration network "We don't have a miracle product which is affordable and can be put to immediate use instead of plastic. Either the material isn't totally transparent, or it breaks easily or isn't moisture-proof," said Laurent Gardin, President of the Fresh Fruits and Vegetable Producers' Association, as quoted by France24. Also Read | British police investigate case of UK boy who disappeared and turned up in France But the ban is not a blanket ban. The government has reportedly deemed it legal for some products to be sold in single-use plastic. Twenty-nine foodstuffs are currently exempt from this ban. The list includes early-harvest potatoes and carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, salads, berries and certain other fresh products. In addition to this, exemption from this rule would also apply to items that are considered fragile. (With inputs from agencies)

France preps for ban on plastic packaging for fresh produce as new year approaches

Twenty-five Indian passengers seeking asylum in France after their flight from the UAE was grounded last week have been freed.

India-France row: 25 Indians released on 'formal grounds', Mumbai police to probe trafficking angle

303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France. The passengers detained by the French authorities are back in India. Out of 303, around 276 Indians are back in their country.

India-France row: Gujarat police forms teams to probe suspected 'illegal migration' | WION

In a major development coming in from the Indian state of Gujarat, the state's police have now taken action to address a suspected illegal immigration network that involved 'agents' in relation to the passenger plane that recently returned from France. They have formed teams and are coordinating with passengers of the charter flight.

India: Gujarat police forms teams to probe suspected 'Illegal migration'

303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France. The passengers detained by the French authorities are back in India. Out of 303, around 276 Indians are back in their country. Police to coordinate with passengers to trace suspected agents.

France Plane Row: Gujarat police forms teams to probe suspected 'illegal migration'

India-France row: Gujarat & Punjab police forms teams to probe suspected 'illegal migration'

What were 303 Indian-origin people doing in a Nicaragua-bound plane? Did they embark on the journey of their free will or were they forced to board the plane? What were over 10 unaccompanied minors doing on the plane? Where are the parents? Listen in to Priyanka Sharma.

Gravitas | France Grounded Plane: Who are the Child sellers?

<p>The airplane with around 300 Indian passengers on board detained near Paris over suspicions of human trafficking landed in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday&nbsp; (Dec 26) at 4 am.</p>

<p>"The plane, which had been grounded since Thursday, departed shortly after 14:30 pm (local time),” BFM TV, a French news broadcast television and radio network, reported.</p>

<p>However, of the 303 Indian passengers, only 276 have likely returned, while the rest have applied for asylum and have been transferred to a special zone in Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport for asylum-seekers.</p>

<p>The flight that took off from Dubai, UAE, carrying 303 passengers, and was headed to Nicaragua, was grounded at the Vatry airport, 150 km east of Paris, on Thursday (Dec 21).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Maharashtra | Plane with Indian passengers that was grounded in France for four days over suspected human trafficking arrived in Mumbai, earlier today<br />
<br />
(Outside visuals from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport) <a href="https://t.co/OIMPO0c4Hx">pic.twitter.com/OIMPO0c4Hx</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1739475150398173305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The French authorities on Sunday gave a go-ahead to the Airbus A340 to resume its journey after questioning the passengers for two days.</p>

<p>The local prefecture, on Monday, confirmed that the plane would indeed take off "but not before noon".</p>

<p>As per the Marne prefecture, the plane had 276 passengers on board. Out of those 25, including two minors, applied for asylum and were still on French soil.</p>

<p>Two others were brought before a judge on Monday and were released and placed on assisted witness status, news agency PTI reported citing BFM TV reports.</p>

<p>Earlier, the airplane was scheduled to depart around 10 in the morning.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-issues-2nd-statement-on-mv-chem-pluto-vessel-incident-says-debris-points-to-drone-attack-673467">Chem Pluto: Indian Navy says debris points to drone attack, probe underway</a></p>

<p>However, because some people expressed their wish to stay on French soil and did not want to go back to their country of origin, the departure was delayed, according to local media reports.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Indian Embassy in France took to their official X handle and said that they were working with embassy officials in order to ensure the safe and smooth return of the passengers.</p>

<p>"Thank French Gov and Vatry Airport for the quick resolution of the situation enabling Indian passengers to return home &amp; hospitality. Also for working closely with the embassy team, present throughout the site to ensure the welfare and smooth &amp; safe return. Thank agencies in India, too," the Indian Embassy in France said in a post on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank French Gov and Vatry Airport for quick resolution of the situation enabling Indian passengers to return home &amp; hospitality.<br />
<br />
Also for working closely with embassy team, present throughout at the site to ensure welfare and smooth &amp; safe return.<br />
Thank agencies in India, too.</p>
— India in France (@IndiaembFrance) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaembFrance/status/1739292993717186788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Airline's lawyer, Liliana Bakayoko, while talking to BFMTV said that earlier the situation was very confusing as some passengers had refused to return to their country of origin.</p>

<p>"Some of the passengers would be unhappy with this return because they wanted to continue their journey to Nicaragua as planned,” the French news broadcast television and radio network reported.</p>

<p>"We are very relieved. We were impatiently waiting for this,” the lawyer for the airline was quoted as saying by the channel.</p>

<p>The lawyer added that the company will continue to be "available to investigators", and "will seek damages from its client because it has suffered significant harm".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The airplane with around 300 Indian passengers on board detained near Paris over suspicions of human trafficking landed in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday (Dec 26) at 4 am.

The airplane with around 300 Indian passengers on board detained near Paris over suspicions of human trafficking landed in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday (Dec 26) at 4 am. "The plane, which had been grounded since Thursday, departed shortly after 14:30 pm (local time),” BFM TV, a French news broadcast television and radio network, reported. However, of the 303 Indian passengers, only 276 have likely returned, while the rest have applied for asylum and have been transferred to a special zone in Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport for asylum-seekers. The flight that took off from Dubai, UAE, carrying 303 passengers, and was headed to Nicaragua, was grounded at the Vatry airport, 150 km east of Paris, on Thursday (Dec 21). #WATCH | Maharashtra | Plane with Indian passengers that was grounded in France for four days over suspected human trafficking arrived in Mumbai, earlier today (Outside visuals from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport) pic.twitter.com/OIMPO0c4Hx — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2023 × The French authorities on Sunday gave a go-ahead to the Airbus A340 to resume its journey after questioning the passengers for two days. The local prefecture, on Monday, confirmed that the plane would indeed take off "but not before noon". As per the Marne prefecture, the plane had 276 passengers on board. Out of those 25, including two minors, applied for asylum and were still on French soil. Two others were brought before a judge on Monday and were released and placed on assisted witness status, news agency PTI reported citing BFM TV reports. Earlier, the airplane was scheduled to depart around 10 in the morning. Also read: Chem Pluto: Indian Navy says debris points to drone attack, probe underway However, because some people expressed their wish to stay on French soil and did not want to go back to their country of origin, the departure was delayed, according to local media reports. Earlier, the Indian Embassy in France took to their official X handle and said that they were working with embassy officials in order to ensure the safe and smooth return of the passengers. "Thank French Gov and Vatry Airport for the quick resolution of the situation enabling Indian passengers to return home & hospitality. Also for working closely with the embassy team, present throughout the site to ensure the welfare and smooth & safe return. Thank agencies in India, too," the Indian Embassy in France said in a post on X. Thank French Gov and Vatry Airport for quick resolution of the situation enabling Indian passengers to return home & hospitality. Also for working closely with embassy team, present throughout at the site to ensure welfare and smooth & safe return. Thank agencies in India, too. — India in France (@IndiaembFrance) December 25, 2023 × Airline's lawyer, Liliana Bakayoko, while talking to BFMTV said that earlier the situation was very confusing as some passengers had refused to return to their country of origin. "Some of the passengers would be unhappy with this return because they wanted to continue their journey to Nicaragua as planned,” the French news broadcast television and radio network reported. "We are very relieved. We were impatiently waiting for this,” the lawyer for the airline was quoted as saying by the channel. The lawyer added that the company will continue to be "available to investigators", and "will seek damages from its client because it has suffered significant harm". (With inputs from agencies)

Plane with Indians grounded in France lands in Mumbai, only 276 passengers return

The Nicaragua-bound flight carrying Indian-origin passengers has finally landed in Mumbai. 276 have come to India, while 25, including 5 minors have requested asylum in France. Meanwhile, 2 detained over suspicions of human trafficking have been ordered to leave France.

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Plane stranded in France with Indians returns, 276 passengers are back in India

First visuals of passengers of plane grounded in France; returns with 276 indian passengers

Plane grounded in France with several Indians lands in Mumbai

Plane stranded in France returns to India | 276 passengers out of 303 are back, claim reports

Plane with Indians, grounded in France over suspected human trafficking, lands in Mumbai. A plane carrying 276 Indian passengers landed in Mumbai on December 26 morning after it was grounded in France for four days pending an investigation into possible human trafficking

Plane grounded in France over trafficking concerns lands in Mumbai

France grounded plane with Indians lands in Mumbai

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: 303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France. The passengers detained by the French authorities are back in India. Out of 303, around 276 Indians are back in their country. Israeli PM Netanyahu heckled inside Parliament by families of hostages. Netanyahu visited Gaza strip on Monday. He has vowed to fight until Israel reaches its goals. Watch the video to know the latest headlines of the day!

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French authorities rule out potential 'Human-Trafficking' | Indian flight stranded in France

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<p>An aircraft with 303 Indian passengers detained near Paris over the suspicion of human trafficking could leave on Monday (Dec 25),&nbsp;news agency AFP reported citing French judicial officials. The Nicaragua-bound Airbus A340 has been held at the Vatry airport, 150 kilometres east of Paris, since arriving from Dubai on Thursday following an anonymous tip-off that it was carrying potential victims of human trafficking.</p>

<p>The aircraft was operated by the Romanian company Legend Airlines.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/plane-carrying-over-300-indians-grounded-in-france-faces-allegations-of-human-trafficking-672727">Indian embassy obtains consular access of 300 Indians grounded in France amid human trafficking allegations</a></strong></p>

<p>After passengers were questioned for two days, French prosecutors on Sunday gave the go-ahead for the plane to leave, and full approval for its departure is expected Monday, according to the local prefecture.</p>

<p>It was not known what would be the destination, but the head of the local bar association, Francois Procureur, told a press conference the passengers would be flown to India, AFP reported.</p>

<h2><strong>Eleven unaccompanied minors among passengers</strong></h2>

<p>The passengers aboard the aircraft included 11 unaccompanied minors, according to Paris prosecutors. Six of the minors expressed an interest in applying for asylum.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/303-indians-include-11-unaccompanied-minors-as-france-continues-human-trafficking-probe-672998">11 minors among 303 Indian passengers on flight grounded by France: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The passengers were put up at the airport during the investigation. Two of them were detained&nbsp;"to verify" whether their role "may have been different than the others in this transport, and under what conditions and with what objectives".</p>

<p>Twelve of the passengers have requested asylum, a source told AFP.</p>

<p>Another source said that Indian passengers were likely workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who had been bound for Nicaragua as a jumping-off spot for the United States or Canada.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An aircraft with 303 Indian passengers detained near Paris over the suspicion of human trafficking could leave on Monday (Dec 25), news agency AFP reported citing French judicial officials.

An aircraft with 303 Indian passengers detained near Paris over the suspicion of human trafficking could leave on Monday (Dec 25), news agency AFP reported citing French judicial officials. The Nicaragua-bound Airbus A340 has been held at the Vatry airport, 150 kilometres east of Paris, since arriving from Dubai on Thursday following an anonymous tip-off that it was carrying potential victims of human trafficking. The aircraft was operated by the Romanian company Legend Airlines. Also read: Indian embassy obtains consular access of 300 Indians grounded in France amid human trafficking allegations After passengers were questioned for two days, French prosecutors on Sunday gave the go-ahead for the plane to leave, and full approval for its departure is expected Monday, according to the local prefecture. It was not known what would be the destination, but the head of the local bar association, Francois Procureur, told a press conference the passengers would be flown to India, AFP reported. Eleven unaccompanied minors among passengers The passengers aboard the aircraft included 11 unaccompanied minors, according to Paris prosecutors. Six of the minors expressed an interest in applying for asylum. Also read: 11 minors among 303 Indian passengers on flight grounded by France: Report The passengers were put up at the airport during the investigation. Two of them were detained "to verify" whether their role "may have been different than the others in this transport, and under what conditions and with what objectives". Twelve of the passengers have requested asylum, a source told AFP. Another source said that Indian passengers were likely workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who had been bound for Nicaragua as a jumping-off spot for the United States or Canada. (With inputs from agencies)

Aircraft with Indian passengers detained in France could leave today

303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France the passengers had been detained by the French authorities over grave suspicions of human trafficking. Keep watching this interview with Anne Elisabeth Moutet, Columnist at the London Telegraph.

Indian-origin passengers grounded over 'human trafficking' concerns, passengers face questions

What is next for 303 Indians stuck in France? | Airport turned into courtroom, passengers questioned

303 passengers predominantly Indians found themselves at the centre of a high-stakes legal showdown in France the passengers had been detained by the French authorities over grave suspicions of human trafficking.

Grounded plane with Indian passengers to land in Mumbai: Report

Grounded plane with 303 Indian passengers flies out of France, to land in Mumbai: Report

Christmas came with a lot of exciting presents for the furry friends at a French zoo where pandas and orangutans opened boxes of presents containing treats. The zoo's famous pandas received their favourite bamboo stocks while the orangutans got lettuce and other treats for the occasion.

Pandas rejoice: Unwrapping Christmas cheer

Christmas came in with a lot of exciting gifts for the furry friends st a French Zoo - Saint-Aignan. Pandas and Orangutans opened gifts with Christmas treats and recieved their favourite items.

Christmas: France zoo gives gifts to animals; Panda hides gift under tree, Orangutans savour lettuce

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