Ahmedabad : The human trafficking saga involving a plane full of Indian passengers, returned from France due to suspected illegal immigration, has taken a dramatic turn with shocking revelations from 21 Gujarati passengers grilled by the CID Crime Branch.
As per the news agency report, these individuals, hailing from Mehsana, Patan, and Gandhinagar, painted a picture of desperation and deception, outlining a web of high-priced promises and perilous shortcuts to the American dream. Their stories expose a multi-million-rupee racket, with individual deals for illegal entry into the US reaching astronomical sums between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 1.25 crore.
Significantly, the interrogations revealed that France's intervention stemmed from anxieties about potential human trafficking. Landing the plane and returning all passengers, including those from Gujarat, was a stark measure taken to curb suspected criminal activity.
The passengers confessed to entering into negotiations with agents, agreeing to pay the hefty sums upon reaching America instead of upfront. This system of delayed payment ensured that both passengers and agents bore the risk of failure, highlighting the precarious nature of such illegal ventures.
Furthermore, their plan involved exploiting Nicaragua as a backdoor entry point to the US. All 21 individuals from Gujarat had traveled to Dubai before finally boarding the ill-fated flight to Nicaragua. The plane, carrying a total of 303 passengers, was grounded in France before their American aspirations could materialize.
Adding another layer of complexity, 50 passengers, including some from Gujarat, requested asylum in France after the grounding. This unexpected request put French authorities in a bind, and they are currently deliberating on the asylum applications.
Meanwhile, the remaining passengers, including the 21 individuals from Gujarat, were eventually flown back to Mumbai. Their testimonies offer a glimpse into the dark underbelly of human trafficking and the desperation driving individuals to risk everything for a perceived better life. The exorbitant sums promised and the perilous journeys undertaken underscore the dangers of falling prey to such unscrupulous schemes.
As the investigation continues, the revelations from these 21 passengers highlight the urgent need to dismantle these illegal networks and offer safe, legal channels for migration. Their stories serve as a stark reminder of the human cost associated with the pursuit of the American dream through illegal means.
