Maharashtra Student Critically Injured in US; Father’s Visa Delayed

Neelam Shinde, a student from Maharashtra, is in a coma at a hospital in California after a car accident on February 14. Her father, Tanaji Shinde, has been trying to get a US visa to be with her, but the earliest appointment is only available next year.

Student Neelam Shinde has met with an accident in the USA and is hospitalized in a local hospital. Her father, Tanaji Shinde, from Satara, Maharashtra, India, urgently needs to visit his daughter due to a medical emergency. Tanaji Shinde has applied for an urgent visa to the USA…

— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) February 26, 2025

Neelam, who has been studying in California for four years, suffered serious injuries to her head, chest, and limbs when another vehicle crashed into her car. She also has fractures in her hands and legs. Local police rushed her to the hospital, where she remains unconscious. A suspect has been arrested in connection with the accident.

Her family found out about the incident two days later through her roommate. Doctors have asked her family to be present for urgent medical decisions, including a possible brain surgery. The hospital has been giving daily updates about her condition.

The situation has been even harder for the family as Neelam’s mother recently passed away. Her father has appealed to the Indian government for help with medical and travel support. He has contacted Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol and other officials but has not received assistance yet.

NCP(SP) leader Supriya Sule has urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to speed up the visa process, stressing that Neelam’s father must travel urgently to be with her.