Satara, Maharashtra – An Indian student studying in the United States has been in a coma for over ten days after being struck by a four-wheeler in California. The student, Neelam Shinde (35), hailing from Satara, Maharashtra, was admitted to the ICU of a local hospital following the accident on February 14. The driver responsible has since been arrested by the police.
Family Seeks Urgent Visa to Visit Ailing Student
Neelam, who has been in the U.S. for four years and is currently in her final year of studies, suffered severe head injuries along with multiple fractures in her hands and legs. Her family learned about the accident on February 16 through her roommates and has since been making desperate attempts to secure a visa to visit her in the U.S.
Her father, Tanaji Shinde, expressed frustration over the delay in obtaining a visa. "We have been trying since we got the news, but we haven’t received it yet," he said.
Her uncle, Sanjay Kadam, revealed that the hospital sought the family’s permission for a critical brain surgery, which was performed immediately after the accident. “She is in a coma right now, and we need to be there,” Kadam emphasized, adding that the hospital has been providing them with regular health updates.
The family has been struggling to secure an early visa appointment, as the next available slot is only in 2026.
Supriya Sule Appeals to External Affairs Minister for Help
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule has reached out to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging immediate intervention to facilitate the family's travel to the U.S.
“This is an alarming issue, and we must come together to resolve it,” Sule stated. Despite her political differences with Jaishankar, she acknowledged his past efforts in assisting Indian students abroad.
"My experience with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been extraordinarily good. They always go the extra mile to help," she said, adding that she has also approached the U.S. Embassy in Mumbai for assistance.
The family's plea highlights the urgent need for expedited visa processing in such critical humanitarian cases.
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