Indian Family of Comatose Individual Secures US Visa
Emergency Visa Granted to Indian Student in Coma After US Accident
After days of desperate appeals, the US has finally granted an emergency visa to the family of Nilam Shinde, an Indian student lying in a coma after a road accident in California. The accident, which occurred on February 14, left Ms. Shinde in a critical state with fractures in both arms and legs, requiring emergency brain surgery. Her family in Maharashtra’s Satara had been trying to obtain a visa to visit her since the incident.
Family’s Journey to the US
The family, which includes Ms. Shinde’s father, cousin brother, and uncle, will be taking the next available flight to the US to be by her side. In a statement, they mentioned that they will also be taking a loan of Rs 5 to Rs 6 lakh to cover expenses in the US. They expressed concerns about the financial burden and requested government assistance for the hospital bills.
Efforts to Secure the Visa
Upon learning of the accident two days later, the family immediately applied for a visa to visit Ms. Shinde in the US. However, the interview slot they received was for next year, prompting them to make appeals to the media and politicians for help. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) intervened after NCP leader Supriya Sule highlighted the case, resulting in an expedited US visa appointment for the family.
Calls for Visa Process Change
Ms. Shinde’s cousin urged the Indian government to reconsider the visa process for emergencies like this. He emphasized the need for a smoother and faster procedure to prevent other families from going through the same challenges they faced.
Updates on Ms. Shinde’s Health
Although Ms. Shinde remains in critical condition, her family has noted slight improvements in her health. Despite still being in a coma, her blood pressure has stabilized, offering some hope for her recovery. The family expressed gratitude for the support received from the media and government in navigating the visa process.
Arrest of the Accused
The hit-and-run collision that left Ms. Shinde in a coma was reported from Fair Oaks Blvd and Cadillac Dr in Sacramento. Police responded to the scene and found Ms. Shinde on the ground, with the vehicle involved in the collision having fled the scene. Sacramento Fire Department transported her to a nearby hospital for treatment of her serious injuries.
As the family prepares to travel to the US to be with Ms. Shinde, they remain hopeful for her recovery and continue to advocate for smoother emergency visa procedures to assist families facing similar crises.