The United States Embassy has issued an emergency visa for the family of Neelam Shinde, an Indian student who is currently in a coma following a serious road accident in California. The decision was made on February 28, after the Indian External Affairs Ministry intervened at the request of Shinde’s family.
On the same day, the family received a call from the U.S. Embassy in Mumbai, inviting them for a visa interview. Neelam, originally from Mumbai, had been studying in the U.S. for four years when she was struck by a vehicle on February 14. Following the accident, she was taken to UC Davis Health Hospital, where she underwent brain surgery and has remained in a coma since.
The postgraduate student at California State University was hit from behind, sustaining injuries to her arms, legs, head, hand, and chest. The Indian Consulate General in San Francisco has been actively assisting the family and maintaining constant communication with them.
Neelam’s father and cousin received their visas and expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the central and state governments, as well as local politicians like NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule for their support.
“We have got the visa and will be going to the U.S. tomorrow. Both the Maharashtra and Central governments listened to us. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis intervened to help us secure the visa,” Neelam’s father stated.
Gaurav Kadam, Neelam’s cousin, added, “A speeding car hit her on February 14. We found out about the accident on February 16. Thanks to the efforts of various politicians, including CM Fadnavis, we finally got the visa. I will accompany Neelam’s father to the U.S.”
In a related development, law enforcement officials have arrested 58-year-old Lawrence Gallows, the driver involved in the incident. Gallows reportedly fled the scene after colliding with Neelam on Fair Oaks Boulevard, according to the Sacramento police department.
