An Indian student, Neelam Shinde, is currently in a coma at a hospital in California after a tragic hit-and-run incident that occurred ten days ago. The 35-year-old, who is pursuing her final year of a Master of Science (MS) program in the United States, was knocked down by a vehicle while walking along the road. The incident has left her fighting for her life, and her parents are desperately seeking a medical emergency visa to reach their daughter.
Neelam Shinde's Critical Condition After Hit-and-Run Accident
On February 14, 2025, Neelam Shinde was struck by a car while walking on the road in California, resulting in severe injuries to her head, arms, and legs. The accident, which authorities have confirmed as a hit-and-run, left Neelam in a life-threatening condition. She sustained significant trauma, including a critical injury to her chest, which has led to her being placed in a coma at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.
As of now, Neelam is being cared for in the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU), where doctors are closely monitoring her condition. Due to the nature of her injuries, her prognosis remains uncertain, and the situation is extremely dire.
The Investigation: Driver in Custody, Legal Case Pending
The driver involved in the accident has been apprehended by the police. However, authorities are unable to proceed with a formal case against the individual until a blood relative of the victim arrives in the US. This is a crucial step in the legal process, and it is preventing any formal charges from being filed at this time.
While the police have custody of the driver, the case remains in a holding pattern as Neelam’s parents struggle to obtain a medical emergency visa that would allow them to be by her side.
Parents’ Struggle to Secure Medical Emergency Visa
Neelam's parents, Tanaji and Nilam Shinde, have been doing everything possible to secure a medical emergency visa to visit their daughter. They have made numerous attempts to contact the relevant authorities and have sought assistance from several political figures. Despite their best efforts, they have been unsuccessful in acquiring the necessary visa, leaving them in a state of emotional and legal limbo.
The hospital where Neelam is being treated has also intervened, issuing a letter supporting the urgency of the situation. The letter from UC Davis Medical Center provides critical information about Neelam’s condition and the need for her family to be present for medical decisions. The letter reads:
“Neelam Shinde was admitted to UC Davis Medical Center, 2315 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, California, 95817 on 2/14/2025 and remains in ICU level care, in critical condition and with uncertain prognosis. It is requested that this patient's father and uncle be available to come to the United States to visit Neelam Shinde due to their medical condition. This patient's father must assist us with making this patient's medical decisions while she is intubated, and her uncle is needed to assist this patient's father with his travels. Uncle is also assisting us with making this patient's medical decisions.”
However, despite the support from the hospital and various political figures, including Union Minister Murli Mohol, former Co-operation Minister Balasaheb Patil, and ex-MP Srinivas Patil, Neelam’s parents have not yet been granted the emergency visa.
Political and Diplomatic Support for the Shinde Family
The situation has drawn the attention of several political leaders, who have offered their support to Neelam’s family in their time of need. NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule has been particularly vocal about the urgency of the situation, calling on the Indian Embassy in the US and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene and assist the Shinde family.
Supriya Sule took to social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to raise awareness about Neelam’s condition and the difficulties her family is facing. In her post, she highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that Neelam’s father, Tanaji Shinde, is seeking an urgent visa to be with his daughter, who is in a critical state.
Sule tagged both the Indian Embassy and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in her tweet, emphasizing the need for swift action. She called on the Indian government to provide immediate help to Neelam’s parents, so they can be by her side during this incredibly challenging time.
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
A Family’s Desperate Plea for Help
Neelam Shinde’s parents are in an emotional and legal battle to be with their daughter, who is in a coma and fighting for her life in a California hospital. Despite the support from the UC Davis Medical Center, political leaders, and the Indian community, the family has been unable to secure the medical emergency visa they need.
As Neelam continues to receive critical care, her parents remain hopeful that they will be granted the necessary permission to travel to the US and support their daughter during this difficult time. Their plea for help is one of urgency, as the situation remains critical and the need for family presence in medical decisions is paramount.
Neelam’s tragic accident highlights the challenges faced by families in emergency situations abroad, where legal, diplomatic, and bureaucratic hurdles often complicate efforts to reunite loved ones in times of crisis. As the Shinde family continues to fight for justice and support, their hope lies in the swift intervention of the Indian government and the compassionate action of the authorities in both the US and India.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
