A French judge decided on Sunday that an aircraft carrying numerous Indian passengers held near Paris due to suspected human trafficking is free to leave today. However, it is unclear if the jet would return to India.



Here are the top ten points from this massive story:

1. The 303 passengers on the Nicaragua-bound charter jet are predominantly Indians, including at least 11 unaccompanied youngsters. Because of an anonymous warning that they were prospective victims of human trafficking, the plane was forced to land at Vatry airport when it came from Dubai for refuelling.

2. French prosecutors authorised the Airbus A340 to leave France on Sunday after examining the passengers for two days, according to a statement from the local prefecture, adding that a final permission for their departure is likely today. The statement did not specify their final destination.

3. At a news conference, Francois Procureur, the chairman of the local bar organisation, stated that the passengers will be transported to India. There has been no official confirmation from Indian officials.

4. French courts have the right to extend the custody of foreign persons who arrive in the country. In extraordinary circumstances, a court may prolong their custody for eight days at a time and up to 26 days overall.

5. The Indians were most likely labourers in the UAE on their way to the United States or Canada, according to AFP, citing a person familiar with the investigation.

6. Vatry, in eastern France, is roughly 150 kilometres from Paris, and its airport mostly serves low-cost carriers. Legend Airlines, a Romanian charter business, owns the grounded Airbus A340.

7. According to the Paris prosecutor, the move was taken in response to an anonymous tip that some of the people on board the plane were "victims of human trafficking." A specialist unit apprehended two guys for interrogation.

8. The Indian embassy in Paris has been granted consular access and is examining the situation. It stated that it is collaborating with the French authorities to ensure the safety of the Indian passengers.

9. An official added that the stranded passengers were given temporary mattresses and access to bathrooms and showers, as well as food and hot drinks, at the Vatry airport. According to the news agency AFP, ten Indian passengers had sought for refuge.

10. A lawyer purporting to represent Legend Airlines stated that the company had done nothing wrong, had committed no violation, and was "at the disposal of the French authorities." She stated that if charges are brought, the airline will take legal action.