India Urges US to Grant Emergency Visas for Family of Injured Neelam Shinde in California Accident
A desperate plea for help has prompted Indian authorities to urge the United States to issue emergency visas for the family of Neelam Shinde, a 35-year-old Indian woman critically injured in a road accident in California. The incident, which occurred on February 14, 2025, has left Shinde battling for her life in a hospital, and her relatives are racing against time to be by her side.
Neelam Shinde, a student at California State University from Satara, Maharashtra, was walking when a car struck her from behind. She suffered severe injuries to her arms, legs, chest, and head, landing her in the intensive care unit at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. Reports indicate she remains in a coma, unable to communicate, making her family’s presence crucial for medical decisions.
The accident’s news reached Shinde’s family on February 16, sparking an urgent effort to secure US visas. “We’ve been trying for a visa since we found out, but we haven’t succeeded yet,” her father, Tanaji Shinde, told reporters. Frustrated by delays, the family turned to the Indian government for assistance.
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On Thursday, February 27, 2025, sources confirmed that India’s External Affairs Ministry stepped in, contacting US officials to expedite the process. “The US is reviewing the formalities to grant visas quickly,” an insider said, speaking anonymously. Emergency visas for medical situations are often fast-tracked, though it’s unclear why this case has faced hurdles.
The tragedy gained attention after NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule highlighted it on social media, urging swift action. Shinde’s mother passed away last year, adding to the family’s distress as her father, brother, and uncle seek to travel. Meanwhile, the driver involved in the accident is in custody, but legal proceedings are stalled without a relative present due to Shinde’s condition.
As Neelam fights for survival, this case underscores the challenges families face in cross-border emergencies. With India’s intervention, hopes are high that her loved ones will soon reach California to support her recovery.
