Comatose Indian Student Neelam Shinde's Family Granted US Visa After MEA Intervenes: Reports

California: The United States Embassy on Friday granted a visa to the family of an Indian student Neelam Shinde. Neelam's father, cousin brother, and uncle will be taking the next flight to the US, reported NDTV. Notably, Neelam Shinde met with an accident in the US and reportedly slipped into a coma. Her father, Tanaji Shinde, had appealed for an emergency visa to be by her side during the medical crisis.

On Thursday, reports surfaced that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) formally raised the matter with the relevant authorities in the US for expediting visa process for Neelam's family, enabling them to travel to the US at the earliest.

After the MEA's intervention in the matter, an emergency visa interview of Neelam Shinde's family was scheduled at the US consulate in Mumbai at 9m am on Friday.

Earlier on Friday, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco has extended its sympathy and support to the family of the 35-year-old Indian Student. In a statement posted on social media, the consulate on Friday said: "We convey our sympathy and solidarity to the family of Nilam Shinde, a victim of a serious road accident in California on February 14, who is admitted to UC Davis Health hospital near Sacramento. Consulate General of India in San Francisco has been in constant touch with the hospital, family, and friends for last several days and has been rendering all possible assistance. We will continue to remain engaged to support her and the family."

Neelam Shinde, a resident of Maharashtra's Satara district, went to coma following a severe road accident in California on February 14. She suffered severe injuries to her head, hands, and chest after being struck by a four-wheeler in California. The driver involved in the incident has been arrested. She was admitted to the ICU at a local hospital and has remained in a coma since.