Neelam Shinde Accident: Family Granted US Visa After Urgent Appeals

The family of Neelam Shinde, an Indian student from Maharashtra, has been granted an emergency US visa after days of desperate appeals. Neelam Shinde, 35, is currently in a coma following a road accident in California on February 14, 2025. The accident occurred when she was hit by a car while walking in Sacramento. Her family, residing in Satara, Maharashtra, had been trying to obtain a visa to be with her since the incident.

Family’s Visa Approval and Travel Plans

The US Embassy granted the urgent visa on Friday, February 28, 2025, allowing Ms. Shinde’s father, cousin brother, and uncle to travel to the US. According to Ms. Shinde’s cousin, Gaurav, the visa interview process was smooth, and they received the printed visa copy. The family is planning to take the next available flight to the US. Gaurav expressed gratitude to the media, Eknath Shinde, and Supriya Sule for their assistance.

The family is also taking a loan to cover travel expenses, estimating around Rs 5 to Rs 6 lakh. They have expressed hope for government assistance with the hospital bill, the exact amount of which is currently unknown.

Details of the Accident and Neelam’s Condition

Neelam Shinde, a post-graduate student at California State University, was struck from behind by a car on February 14. She suffered severe injuries, including fractures in both arms and legs, and required emergency brain surgery. She has been in a coma since the accident. The family learned about the accident two days later and immediately applied for a US visa.

Initial Visa Application Challenges

The family faced initial difficulties in obtaining a visa, as the next available interview slot was scheduled for the following year. This led them to appeal to the media and politicians for assistance. NCP leader Supriya Sule brought the issue to the attention of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which resulted in an expedited US visa appointment interview slot for the family.

Family’s Gratitude and Call for Visa Process Reform

Ms. Shinde’s cousin expressed his gratitude to the media and the government for their support in expediting the visa process. He also urged the government to reform the visa process for emergency situations, stating that no other family should experience similar difficulties.

Despite remaining in critical condition, Neelam’s health has shown slight improvements. Her blood pressure, which was initially high due to the accident, has stabilized. The family remains hopeful for her recovery.

Arrest of the Accused

The driver of the car that hit Ms. Shinde fled the scene after the accident. The accused, Lawrence Gallow, 58, was arrested five days later, on February 19, by the Sacramento Police Department. The hit-and-run collision occurred on Fair Oaks Blvd and Cadillac Dr in Sacramento. Upon arrival, officers found Ms. Shinde on the ground and transported her to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Political and Governmental Intervention

Several political figures and government bodies intervened to assist the Shinde family in securing the emergency visa. Supriya Sule, a member of NCP (SP), raised the issue with the External Affairs Minister, emphasizing the importance of supporting Indian students abroad. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s office, along with Deputy CMs Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, also offered assistance. The Indian Consulate General in San Francisco has maintained contact with the family and provided support.

Statements from Family Members

Neelam’s father, Tanaji Shinde, expressed his gratitude to the central and state governments and Supriya Sule for their assistance. He confirmed that he and Neelam’s cousin would be traveling to the US. Gaurav Kadam, Neelam’s cousin, also thanked the government for their help in obtaining the visa. He recounted receiving news of the accident on February 16 and acknowledged the support of politicians, including CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Background on Neelam Shinde

Nilam Shinde had completed her BE in computer science from Sinhgad Institute in Pune and a one-year internship at NASA. She had been pursuing her MS in engineering at California State University for the past four years.