Supriya Sule, an MP, urged for expedited processing of a visa for the father of Nilam Shinde, a 35-year-old Indian student in a coma following a serious accident in the US. Shinde was injured when hit by a vehicle on February 14, with the driver arrested days later. Sule emphasized the family’s despair and credited Balasahib Patil for bringing the situation to her attention. The family applied for the visa two days post-accident, but it was pending until the Ministry of External Affairs intervened, securing an appointment. Shinde’s father expressed hope for the visa to be granted promptly.
MP Supriya Sule has called for the visa application of the father of the injured Indian student, who is currently in a coma in a US hospital, to be processed at “super speed.”
Thirty-five-year-old Nilam Shinde, a postgraduate student at California State University, sustained severe injuries, including multiple fractures, after being struck by a vehicle on February 14. Lawrence Gallow, 58, was arrested five days later on February 19, according to the Sacramento Police Department, as reported by NDTV on Thursday evening.
“I humbly request that we expedite this visa at super speed and get him on a flight immediately,” Ms. Sule stated, drawing attention to Ms. Shinde’s dire condition and the anguish of her father, brother, and uncle, during her conversation with NDTV.
Ms. Sule acknowledged Balasahib Patil from Karad for bringing this urgent matter to her attention.
“The credit goes entirely to Balasahib Patil from Karad. This is not about taking credit; I truly empathize with the family. It has been an incredibly challenging situation for all involved, and there is a profound sense of helplessness,” Ms. Sule remarked.
The student’s family submitted their visa application 48 hours after the accident, but it has been pending since then. Following the intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs, the student’s father has now secured an appointment for 9:30 on Friday morning, whereas previously, the family was told they would have to wait until next year for a visa appointment.
“I genuinely wish to express my gratitude to the MEA and the US embassy in Mumbai, who have provided substantial assistance. I am eternally thankful… This is not the first time the MEA has stepped in to help us. There have been numerous occasions when families and children needed support, and the Ministry of External Affairs has gone above and beyond,” Ms. Sule said.
A statement from the university, released on February 16, indicated that Ms. Shinde “is in critical condition with an uncertain prognosis and is receiving care in the Intensive Care Unit.” The university has also appealed for travel permits to be granted for the family.
“Visa mil jaaye bus itna hi aur udhar jaa sake hum (We just hope to get the visa and go to America),” an emotional Tanaji Shinde, father of Nilam Shinde, expressed to NDTV.