The United States Embassy has granted an urgent visa to the family of Neelam Shinde, a woman from Maharashtra who has been in a coma since being struck by a vehicle in California on February 14. This approval came after the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) intervened, responding to the family’s urgent appeal.
Neelam, who had been residing in the United States for four years, was admitted to UC Davis Health Hospital where she underwent brain surgery. Without immediate family members by her side, her relatives in India faced significant difficulties in securing a visa, as the next available appointment was not until 2026. The family’s plea for an emergency visa gained momentum after key political figures, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule, stepped in to support their cause.
On Friday, Neelam’s father, Tanaji Shinde, and cousin, Gaurav Kadam, were granted their visas and are scheduled to travel to the United States the following day. Tanaji expressed his gratitude, stating, “We have received the visa and will be leaving tomorrow. Both the Maharashtra and central governments have extended their help. When CM Fadnavis learned about the incident, he ensured we got the visa. Supriya Sule also played a crucial role.”
Gaurav further confirmed that they were informed of the accident on February 16 and had been struggling to obtain a visa since then. “A speeding car hit her on February 14. After multiple appeals, we have finally received the visa, and I will be accompanying Neelam’s father to the US,” he said.
The Indian Consulate General in San Francisco maintained close communication with the family, providing necessary support, while Supriya Sule directly contacted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to expedite the visa process. “The MEA has always shown empathy towards Indian citizens abroad. They have gone above and beyond to assist,” said Sule.
Neelam’s condition remains critical, with severe head, chest, and limb injuries. Her family is now preparing for their journey to be by her side as she continues to fight for recovery.
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