Neelam Shinde, a 35-year-old Indian student from Maharashtra's Satara district, lies critically injured at the UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California, fighting for her life after she was struck by a vehicle on February 14. The tragic incident, described as hit-and-run, marred the young woman's pursuit of higher education as she attempted to complete her Master of Science at California State University. Her family, which learned of the accident two days later, is now urgently seeking assistance from the Indian government to secure visas and be by her side during this harrowing time.
According to reports, Shinde was out for her evening walk when the vehicle struck her from behind, resulting in severe injuries to her head, chest, as well as multiple fractures. The collision left her comatose, necessitating immediate medical intervention. "She has gone like this due to a blow to the chest," her father, Tanaji Shinde, told NDTV, expressing the family's desperate circumstances. Access to her medical information and decision-making power is hampered without her family's presence, as hospital protocol requires family consent for treatment and surgery.
Neelam Shinde's plight took on greater urgency after the hospital informed the family of the need for them to come to the US as soon as possible. They highlighted how her condition has left them with little time, as the family must be present to authorize impending surgical procedures. Due to the seriousness of her injuries, the hospital has expressly communicated the need for permissions from close relatives, making the visa process even more imperative.
Following her father's efforts to gain entry, he applied for emergency visa appointments two days after the accident, only to find the next available interview slot was not until 2026. Seeking assistance, the family reached out to NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule. Sule intervened by contacting the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which expedited communication with the US Embassy. Consequently, Tanaji Shinde was granted a visa interview on February 28 at 9 AM.
Emergency visa applications are usually reserved for instances such as severe medical issues or family crises. An official document from the Indian government explains this process highlights the importance of supporting family members facing dire circumstances. It stipulates, "Documentary evidence will need to be provided and the applicant will be charged an emergency service fee." This expedited process is integral, especially when urgent medical care is necessary.
While the family has been pursuing the visa, Neelam remains on life support, with her prognosis uncertain as doctors continue to monitor her condition. Recently, her uncle shared with the press, "Brain pressure has reduced since yesterday and is normal now. Her blood pressure has also increased and is normal, but she is still in a coma."
Law enforcement authorities have arrested the driver involved in the collision. Investigators have indicated complications arise when dealing with cases without the victim's family. Law enforcement requires statements from relatives for any legal action, hampering efforts to move forward without the family's presence.
Neelam’s tragic situation is prompting significant public and political attention. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' office has also gotten involved, indicating the gravity of her condition has prompted state-level action. The family is now left with bated breath, hoping to gain timely access to Neelam before it becomes too late. Members of the public and fellow students have rallied support online, calling for expedited visa processing as the medical community emphasizes the dire need for family consent.
Across social media, posts urging action reflect not only the urgency of Neelam’s situation but also the broader issue of students studying abroad facing emergencies without immediate family support. The case emphasizes the importance of international student support networks, ensuring those far from home have access to their families during emergencies. "Student Neelam Shinde has met with an accident in the USA and is hospitalized. Her father needs to visit due to medical emergencies," Supriya Sule tweeted, showcasing the raw emotional appeals made to those with power.
With Neelam’s family finally getting closer to securing the necessary travel documents, the countdown is on for Tanaji Shinde to make it to his daughter’s side. The family’s emotional turmoil, compounded by the bureaucratic challenges of international travel, speaks volumes about the pressing need for compassionate policies for students and their families facing unforeseen crisis situations abroad.
Neelam Shinde’s struggle echoes the challenges many Indian students face and reinforces the growing need for both education institutions and governments to lift barriers, particularly when students' lives are at stake. The next few days will be pivotal both for the Shinde family and for discussions on student safety and support as they hope for Neelam's recovery.