230 Indians, including 170 Gujaratis, stranded in UAE over illegal US entry scheme
Sharjah: A failed attempt to enter the United States illegally has left 230 Indians, including 170 Gujaratis, stranded in Sharjah, UAE. The group, comprising families, was lured by agents promising a chartered flight from Dubai to Brazil, followed by a land crossing into the US through Mexico.
Sources revealed that the operation, orchestrated by several agents, was disrupted, leaving the hopeful migrants in limbo. The stranded individuals, which include around 60 people from Delhi and Punjab, are currently staying at the Dana Hotel in Sharjah.
Among the agents implicated are Sameer, Dhaval, and Hasmukh, the latter reportedly a financier based in Dubai. Other agents referred to as Paji, Thakur Saheb, and RK are also under investigation for coordinating the operation.
According to sources, the agents collected ₹3 crore in advance to book a chartered flight, initially scheduled to depart Dubai on December 11 but postponed to December 20 due to concerns over border conditions between Mexico and the US. Despite delays and lack of flight route details, the agents assured the passengers they would reach the US before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.
The issue follows a similar incident on December 26, 2023, when a chartered flight carrying suspected illegal immigrants from India was intercepted at France's Vatry Airport. The passengers were sent back to Mumbai.
Illegal immigration agents have allegedly been using various routes, including charter flights from Dubai, Uzbekistan, and Libya, to facilitate such operations. However, increased international crackdowns have led to disruptions, stranding many migrants in Dubai.
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Vijay secures majority support, set to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu govt
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
