Nicaragua human trafficking: Out of 276 Indian fliers, 159 from Punjab

Ferozepur, January 11

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Around 25 Punjab-based passengers who were on a flight heading from Fujairah in the UAE to Nicaragua have appeared before the special investigation team (SIT) constituted to probe a human trafficking angle.

According to information, out of 276 passengers deported to India by the French authorities, 159 were from Punjab, including 57 from Malwa, 37 from Doaba and 64 from Majha, besides one passenger from Chandigarh.

Earlier, the SIT had sought details of passengers from the RPOs in Amritsar, Jalandhar and Chandigarh.

Sources said the SIT had asked several airlines whether the tickets were booked in “bulk” by some travel agent or they were booked by the passengers.

The SIT had sought details from the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office in Mumbai where the flight had landed on December 26.

“Most passengers quizzed by the SIT termed the reason of their visit as tourism or in some cases an attempt to improve their travel history. However, none of them have come on record with any complaint so far,” said SP Randhir Kumar, who is heading the SIT.