The father of Neelam Shinde, an Indian student critically injured in a hit-and-run accident in the United States, has alleged that the US visa office in Mumbai refused to grant him an immediate visa, despite his urgent need to be by his daughter’s side. Anand Shinde, a resident of Maharashtra’s Satara district, claimed that the authorities at the Mumbai visa office not only ignored his repeated requests but also asked him to leave the premises.
“When we went to the Mumbai visa office, no one was ready to listen to us. They ignored our repeated requests for help in getting an immediate US visa. They also asked us to leave the office premises, warning that the police would remove us if we didn’t comply,” India Today quoted Shinde as saying.
Government Intervention Amid Visa Hurdles
The case has gained national attention, prompting the Indian government to intervene. Sources confirmed that the Centre has officially reached out to the US government to expedite the visa process for Neelam’s family.
Neelam’s brother, Gaurav Kadam, recounted the tragic incident, stating that his sister was involved in a hit-and-run accident on February 14 in Sacramento, California. “She was hit by a vehicle from behind on the same route she takes for her daily evening walks. The driver did not stop and fled the scene. She suffered severe injuries to her head, hands, and legs and is currently in a coma,” Kadam said.
Local authorities in California have arrested a suspect linked to the hit-and-run, but Neelam’s family was informed about the incident only two days later by her roommate, who is also from Maharashtra.
Hospital’s Plea for Family’s Presence
Doctors treating Neelam in the US performed immediate surgery due to her severe head injuries. The hospital even sent an email urging the family to reach the US as soon as possible. However, visa appointment delays have left the family struggling to obtain travel permits.
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“We are in constant touch with the hospital regarding Neelam’s condition, but we faced significant difficulties due to the lack of immediate visa appointment slots,” Kadam added. “The doctors say her condition is slightly improving, but she remains in a coma.”
Neelam’s family has reached out to several officials for help, including Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, former MP Shriniwas Patil, and former MLA Balasaheb Patil. However, they claim that their pleas for assistance have gone unheard. “We approached several officials, including those in the state government, but we received no help,” Neelam’s uncle lamented.
Political Pressure Mounts for Urgent Action
On Wednesday, NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to step in and facilitate an emergency visa for Neelam’s father. In a social media post tagging Jaishankar and the Ministry of External Affairs, Sule wrote: “Student Neelam Shinde has met with an accident in the USA and is hospitalised. Her father, Tanaji Shinde, urgently needs to visit her due to a medical emergency. He has applied for an urgent visa and requires assistance.”
As Neelam continues her battle for survival, her family remains desperate for a resolution. With mounting public pressure, all eyes are now on whether the authorities will expedite the visa process and allow her parents to be by her side during this critical time.
