An Indian student, Neelam Shinde, 35, from Maharashtra’s Satara district, remains in a coma in the ICU after being hit by a car in the US on February 14. Her family is urgently seeking visas to visit her, having applied since February 16 without success. NCP MP Supriya Sule has reached out to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for assistance, emphasizing the need for collective support in such matters. Despite political differences, Sule expressed confidence in the Ministry of External Affairs’ responsiveness and has also contacted the US Embassy in Mumbai regarding the situation. Shinde has been studying in the US for four years.
Mumbai:
An Indian student has fallen into a coma following an accident in the US this month, prompting her family in Maharashtra to seek assistance from the Centre for visas to visit her. Neelam Shinde, 35, hailing from Satara district in Maharashtra, was reportedly struck by a car on February 14 and is presently in the ICU. The driver of the vehicle has been apprehended by the police.
“We learned about the accident on February 16 and have been trying to obtain a visa since then, but we have not received it yet,” her father, Tanaji Shinde, stated.
NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule expressed her concerns in a conversation with NDTV and requested External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s assistance in securing a visa for Ms Shinde’s father.
“This is a concerning matter, and we all must unite to help address it,” she remarked.
“I have been in contact with the family, reassuring them that this situation will be taken care of,” Ms Sule added.
She acknowledged that although she may have “political differences” with Mr Jaishankar, a BJP leader, he has always been “very helpful and empathetic” regarding issues concerning Indian students abroad.
“My experience with the MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) has been exceptionally positive. They consistently go the extra mile to provide assistance,” Ms Sule mentioned, noting her outreach to the US Embassy in Mumbai as well.
Additionally, she posted on her official X account, tagging Mr Jaishankar in her plea for help for Mr Shinde.
According to Ms Shinde’s family, the accident resulted in fractures to her hands and legs, along with head injuries.
Ms Shinde has been residing in the US for four years and is currently in her final academic year.