In a tragic incident, Neelam Shinde, a 35-year old Indian student from Maharashtra’s Satara district has been in coma after an accident in which she was hit by a four-wheeler in California on February 14, as reported by NDTV. Her family, after becoming aware of the tragedy on February 16, are seeking an urgent visa to travel to the US and be by her side.
Student Neelam Shinde has met with an accident in the USA and is hospitalized in a local hospital. Her father, Tanaji Shinde, from Satara, Maharashtra, India, urgently needs to visit his daughter due to a medical emergency. Tanaji Shinde has applied for an urgent visa to the USA…
— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) February 26, 2025
— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) Family plea for immediate visa
Her father Tanaji Shinde has applied for an emergency visa but has faced several hindrances. ‘’We got to know about the accident on February 16 and have been trying for a visa since then. But we haven’t received it yet,’’ he stated.
The accident has caused multiple fractures in Neelam hands, legs and severe head injuries, leading her in critical condition in the ICU. The local police have arrested the driver who was involved in the incident but the family is more concerned to be present with her during this tough period.
The family is currently struggling to get an immediate visa appointment, with reports indicating that the next available slot is for next year.
Amid growing concerns, NCP MP Supriya Sule has stepped in for help. She has personally contacted the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other authorities, urging them to speed up Shinde’s visa approval.
Taking to X, Sule escalated the matter, stating, ‘’Student Neelam Shinde met with an accident in the USA is admitted in a local hospital. Her father Tanaji Shinde, from Satara, Maharashtra, India urgently needs to visit his daughter due to a medical emergency. Tanaji shinde has applied for an urgent visa to the USA and requires assistance.’’ She made the appeal to look into the matter and help by tagging Jaishankar, MEA and Indian Embassy in the US.
Speaking to NDTV, Sule highlighted the urgency of the situation, mentioning, ‘’This is an alarming matter, and we all need to come together to help resolve it.’’ She also gave assurance to Shinde;s family for continuous support and also credited Minister Jaishankar’s earlier efforts in assisting Indian students abroad.
The hospital treating Neelam is providing regular updates to her family but they continue to be helpless as they are not able to go to the US.