Mumbai:
An Indian student, Neelam Shinde, 35, from Maharashtra’s Satara district, is in a coma after a road accident in the US. She was hit by a four-wheeler on February 14 in California and is now in the ICU. The police have arrested the driver.
Her family is trying to get a visa to visit her but has not been successful yet. “We found out about the accident on February 16 and have been trying to get a visa since then, but we haven’t received it yet,” said her father, Tanaji Shinde.
Indian politician Supriya Sule has asked External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for help. She said that despite political differences, Mr. Jaishankar is always helpful regarding Indian students abroad. Ms. Sule has also contacted the US Embassy in Mumbai and posted on social media, tagging Mr. Jaishankar for support.
Neelam Shinde suffered serious injuries in the accident, including fractures in her hands and legs and a head injury. Her uncle, Sanjay Kadam, said, “The hospital took our permission for brain surgery. She is in a coma now, and we need to be there with her.”
The hospital provides daily updates on her health, but the family is struggling to get a visa. “We tried booking an appointment at the passport office, but the next available slot is next year,” Mr. Kadam said.
Ms. Shinde has been in the US for four years and is in her final year of studies. Her family is hoping for urgent help to visit her.
