NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
UPDATE: Suspect arrested in hit-and-run case which left Indian student in coma | NRI Pulse
Sacramento, CA, February 28, 2025: The family of Neelam Shinde, a 35-year-old postgraduate student at California State University, has been granted emergency visas by the U.S. Embassy in Mumbai. Neelam has been in a coma since February 14, after being struck by a speeding vehicle while walking in Sacramento, California.
The accident left her with severe injuries, including fractures to both legs, her left arm, and skull, as well as a traumatic brain injury. She underwent emergency brain surgery at UC Davis Medical Center but remains unconscious.
Neelam’s family was informed about the accident two days later and has since been struggling to reach her. Her father, Tanaji Shinde, initially faced difficulties securing a visa appointment. Following appeals by Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) intervened, leading to an expedited visa process.
On February 28, the U.S. Embassy in Mumbai approved the visas in just 30 minutes. “We came here, they took our interview, and granted the visas in half an hour. We will leave for the U.S. tomorrow,” said Tanaji Shinde, expressing gratitude for the swift response from both Indian and U.S. authorities.
The family is now preparing to travel to the U.S. to be by Neelam’s side as she continues to receive critical medical care.
