Hit by car in California, Indian student Neelam Shinde in coma—family pleads for urgent visa

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stepped in to expedite the visa process for the family of Neelam Shinde, an Indian student in the United States who has remained in a coma since being struck by a vehicle in California. The intervention comes after repeated pleas from her family, who have been struggling to obtain a US visa to be by her side.

According to sources cited by ANI, Indian authorities have been in communication with their US counterparts, urging them to fast-track the visa formalities. The case has drawn widespread attention, with political leaders and officials highlighting the urgency of reuniting the family during this medical emergency.

What happened to Neelam Shinde in the United States?

Neelam Shinde, a 35-year-old Indian student, had been pursuing higher education in the United States for the past four years. On February 14, she was critically injured after being hit by a vehicle in California. Following the accident, she was admitted to a local hospital, where she has remained in a coma.

Her family only learned about the incident on February 16 when her roommates informed them of the accident. Since then, her parents have made multiple efforts to secure a US visa but have been unable to do so. The driver involved in the accident has reportedly been arrested, but no further details have been released regarding the circumstances of the incident.

Why is the family struggling to obtain a US visa?

The Indian student visa process for emergency travel can often be complex, requiring multiple verifications and approvals. While there are provisions for expedited visas in medical emergencies, the process is not always seamless. Neelam’s father, Tanaji Shinde, has repeatedly requested urgent assistance, citing the emotional and medical necessity of being with his daughter.

Her uncle, Sanjay Kadam, stated in an interview with Indian news channel NDTV that the family is in distress, unable to travel without a visa despite the critical nature of Neelam’s condition. The situation has once again raised concerns over the bureaucratic delays faced by Indian families seeking emergency travel to the US when their loved ones are in distress.

What actions has the Indian government taken?

With growing media attention and public outcry, the Ministry of External Affairs has escalated efforts to ensure that the Shinde family receives their visas as quickly as possible. External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar has been made aware of the situation, and Indian officials are coordinating with US authorities to expedite the process.

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) MP Supriya Sule also addressed the issue publicly, appealing directly to Dr Jaishankar and the Indian Embassy in the US through a post on X (formerly Twitter). She emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that Neelam’s father from Satara, Maharashtra, must be granted immediate visa approval to visit his daughter.

How does this case highlight challenges for Indian students abroad?

The Neelam Shinde case is the latest in a series of incidents that highlight the difficulties faced by Indian students and their families when emergencies arise in foreign countries. Whether it is securing timely medical treatment, navigating legal proceedings, or obtaining emergency visas, such cases expose the gaps in existing systems that often leave families in distress.

Experts have pointed out that while the Indian student visa process has been streamlined for academic purposes, there remains a lack of clear emergency protocols for situations like these. Establishing faster, pre-approved mechanisms between India and the US could help prevent similar delays in the future.

According to immigration experts, cases like Neelam’s demonstrate the need for diplomatic interventions that go beyond standard visa procedures. A more structured and transparent emergency travel policy would ensure that families do not have to rely on media pressure and political appeals to get urgent approvals.

What happens next?

With the Ministry of External Affairs actively involved, Neelam Shinde’s family is now awaiting confirmation of their visa approval. While US authorities have reportedly been urged to fast-track the process, no official timeline has been provided yet.

For now, Neelam Shinde remains in a coma, her condition critical, while her family hopes for a resolution that will allow them to be by her side. With increasing public pressure and diplomatic engagement, there is growing expectation that their visas will be granted soon.

Will this case lead to changes in emergency visa policies?

While the immediate concern remains Neelam’s condition and her family’s travel, this case has reignited discussions on broader policy changes. Many believe that an improved US hospital treatment support system for Indian students could be established, including pre-approved emergency travel provisions for immediate family members.

As the situation unfolds, the hope remains that the Indian government’s intervention will not only bring relief to Neelam’s family but also set a precedent for more efficient emergency visa approvals in the future.