The United States is considering an emergency visa for the family of Nilam Shinde, a postgraduate student in California who remains in a coma following a serious road accident earlier this month.
The delay in processing the request has raised concerns, prompting intervention from Indian authorities and political figures.
Shinde, 35, a student at California State University, sustained multiple fractures and severe head injuries after being struck from behind by a four-wheeler on 14 February. She has remained in a coma since undergoing emergency brain surgery, with doctors describing her condition as critical.
Her family applied for a visa two days after the accident, but the request has yet to be processed. According to her uncle, Kadam Shinde, the earliest available visa appointment is scheduled for next year.
“The patient’s father must assist the UC Davis Medical Centre care team with making Ms Shinde’s medical care planning decisions. Ms Shinde is not able to communicate due to the nature of her injuries and because she is currently intubated, on life support,” read a statement issued by the university on 16 February.
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Typically, the US grants expedited visas for medical emergencies upon receiving a certified request from a medical practitioner. However, there are limited slots available for such cases, and the reason for the delay remains unclear.
Sources within India’s External Affairs Ministry confirmed that its Americas Division had formally raised the issue with US authorities, urging swift action.
The case gained wider attention after Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule highlighted Shinde’s condition and her family’s plight.
“This is an alarming issue. We need to get together and resolve it,” she said, calling on the Indian government to intervene. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s office has since contacted the family.
Meanwhile, local law enforcement continues to investigate the accident.
The driver responsible for the collision is in custody, though legal proceedings are reportedly hindered by the absence of Shinde’s immediate family in the US. Given her condition, a direct complaint from a blood relative is required for further legal action.
Shinde, a Master of Science student, has been residing in the United States for the past four years.
Her family remains hopeful that diplomatic efforts will secure a timely visa, allowing them to be by her side during this critical period.
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