The US has granted an emergency visa to the family of Indian student Nilam Shinde, who is in a coma after a severe road accident in California on February 14. Her family, based in Maharashtra, had struggled to obtain a visa until media and political appeals led to expedited processing. They are now preparing to fly to the US, having taken out a loan for expenses. Nilam, a post-graduate student at California State University, suffered multiple injuries, including fractures and the need for emergency brain surgery. Police arrested the driver responsible for the hit-and-run five days later.
New Delhi:
After several days of urgent appeals, the US has granted an emergency visa to the family of an Indian student who remains in a coma following a road accident in California, as of Friday morning. Nilam Shinde, 35, is in critical condition as a result of the incident that occurred on February 14. Her family from Satara in Maharashtra had been seeking a visa since that time.
The family, which includes Ms. Shinde’s father, cousin, and uncle, will board the next available flight to the US.
“The visa interview process went very smoothly. We’ve already received the printed visa. We will take the next flight to the US. We’re grateful to the media, Eknath Shinde, and Supriya Sule,” stated Gaurav, Ms. Shinde’s cousin, in an interview with NDTV.
They are also planning to take out a loan of Rs 5 to 6 lakh for the trip to the US. “Financially, government assistance would be greatly appreciated. We are unaware of her hospital expenses at this point,” he added.
Ms. Shinde, who is pursuing her post-graduate studies at California State University, was struck from behind by a vehicle on February 14. She sustained fractures in both arms and legs, and has undergone emergency brain surgery. She has remained in a coma since the accident.
The family learned of the accident two days later, after which they applied for a visa to visit their daughter in the US. Unfortunately, the earliest interview slot they received was for the next year. Subsequently, the family reached out to media and political figures for assistance. Following coverage by NCP leader Supriya Sule, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) intervened and secured an expedited US visa interview for them.
“When we first arrived, we were not taken seriously. We were even told that the police would remove us if we didn’t leave. We went back home thinking we might never see her again. However, Nilam’s friend was of great help. For many days we struggled to secure an interview, but to no avail. We are thankful to the media. Thanks to your efforts and the government’s support, the process was made easier for us,” said Ms. Shinde’s cousin.
He also appealed to the government for changes to the visa process. “No other family should have to go through what we experienced. These procedures need to be revised for emergency situations,” he remarked.
Ms. Shinde remains critically ill, but her family reports slight improvements in her condition.
“Her health is showing some progress…after the accident, her blood pressure was elevated, but it has since stabilized. She is still in a coma and in critical condition. There is hope that she is fighting,” her cousin expressed.
Accused arrested
The driver responsible for hitting Ms. Shinde fled the scene, abandoning her severely injured on the road. The suspect, Lawrence Gallow (58), was arrested five days later on February 19, as confirmed by the Sacramento Police Department to NDTV.
The “hit-and-run incident” occurred at Fair Oaks Blvd and Cadillac Dr in Sacramento just before 7 pm, according to police reports. When officers arrived, Ms. Shinde was found lying on the ground.
“Responding officers located an adult female on the ground. The vehicle that caused the collision fled the scene before police arrival. Personnel from the Sacramento Fire Department transported the female to a local hospital for severe injuries,” stated the police.