New Delhi: The family of a 35-year-old Indian student, Nilam Shinde, who has been in a coma following a tragic road accident in California, has finally received an emergency visa to travel to the United States. After relentless efforts and appeals, the US authorities granted the visa, enabling her father, cousin, and uncle to fly out to be by her side.

Desperate Pleas Answered

Ms. Shinde, a postgraduate student at California State University, suffered severe injuries on February 14 when she was struck from behind by a speeding car. The impact left her with multiple fractures in both arms and legs, necessitating emergency brain surgery. Since the accident, she has remained in a coma, battling for her life.

Back home in Maharashtra’s Satara district, her family was devastated upon hearing the news. Their immediate priority was to reach the US to be with her. However, their initial visa application process was met with obstacles, with their interview date scheduled for the following year. Facing an agonizing wait, they turned to the media and political leaders for help, seeking urgent intervention to expedite the visa process.

Government and Media Intervene

After their appeals gained traction, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule took up their case and sought assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Responding swiftly, the MEA worked to secure an emergency visa appointment for Ms. Shinde’s family.

“The visa interview process was very smooth. We have even received the printed copy of the visa. We will take the next available flight to the US,” said Ms. Shinde’s cousin, Gaurav, in an interview with NDTV.

Expressing his gratitude, he added, “We are thankful to the media, Eknath Shinde, and Supriya Sule. Without their help, this would not have been possible.”

Financial Struggles Add to Family’s Ordeal

The family’s relief at securing the visa was tempered by financial concerns. Traveling to the US on such short notice is expensive, and they have had to arrange a loan of approximately ₹5-6 lakh to cover travel and initial expenses. They remain unaware of the hospital bill that awaits them, further compounding their anxiety.

“If the government can provide some financial assistance, it would be a great relief for us. We do not yet know the total hospital expenses,” said Gaurav. The family remains hopeful that they will receive support in some form, given the extraordinary circumstances they are facing.

A Long and Arduous Visa Battle

Recounting their frustrating experience while attempting to secure an emergency visa, Ms. Shinde’s family shared how they were initially met with resistance. “When we first arrived at the embassy, nobody was willing to entertain our request. We were even warned that the police might be called if we kept waiting outside. Feeling dejected, we returned home, fearing we would never see Nilam again,” her cousin said.

However, the unwavering support of Ms. Shinde’s friends in the US played a crucial role in their struggle. “Her friends helped us tremendously. We kept trying every possible way to get an interview, but nothing seemed to work. Eventually, thanks to media coverage and government intervention, things started moving,” he added.

This ordeal has prompted the family to call for systemic changes to the visa process for emergency situations. “No other family should have to go through this kind of distress. There should be a streamlined procedure for granting emergency visas in such cases,” Gaurav urged.

Nilam Shinde’s Condition Shows Minor Improvement

Despite the critical nature of her injuries, there are small signs of progress in Ms. Shinde’s condition. Her family has been receiving updates from doctors, who have reported a slight improvement in her health.

“There is progress… her blood pressure, which was dangerously high after the accident, has now stabilized. She remains in a coma, but we are hopeful that she is fighting,” said her cousin.

The family remains anxious but optimistic, clinging to every bit of positive news as they prepare for their journey to the US.

Hit-and-Run Driver Arrested

Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities in Sacramento have arrested the man responsible for the accident. Identified as 58-year-old Lawrence Gallow, the accused fled the scene after hitting Ms. Shinde, leaving her gravely injured on the road.

The Sacramento Police Department confirmed his arrest on February 19, five days after the incident. They stated that the hit-and-run occurred at the intersection of Fair Oaks Boulevard and Cadillac Drive just before 7 PM on February 14.

“Responding officers located a female adult on the ground. The vehicle involved in the collision fled the scene before police arrived. Sacramento Fire Department personnel transported the victim to an area hospital with serious injuries,” the police statement read.

Gallow now faces charges for the hit-and-run, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

A Community’s Support and Hope for Recovery

The distressing incident has sparked a wave of concern and support from both the Indian and international student communities. Many individuals and organizations have stepped forward to offer help in various forms, whether by raising awareness, assisting with paperwork, or offering financial support.

Friends of Ms. Shinde in California have been closely monitoring her condition and providing regular updates to her family. They have also been instrumental in ensuring she receives the best medical care possible.

As the family prepares to fly out to the US, they remain hopeful that their presence will aid in her recovery. Medical professionals often emphasize the importance of emotional support in a patient’s healing journey, and the arrival of her loved ones may provide a much-needed boost to her condition.

A Call for Reform in Emergency Visa Procedures

Ms. Shinde’s tragic situation has underscored the need for reform in how emergency visas are processed. Delays in such cases can have devastating consequences, and many believe that embassies should establish dedicated protocols to expedite visas for families dealing with life-threatening medical emergencies abroad.

The ordeal faced by the Shinde family has reignited discussions on the importance of streamlining visa applications for urgent cases. Calls for policy changes have been growing louder, with activists and politicians urging governments to implement a more efficient system to handle such crises in the future.

Final Thoughts

While the battle is far from over, the Shinde family has overcome the first major hurdle in their quest to be with Nilam. Their journey highlights the power of persistence, the role of media in amplifying urgent issues, and the need for systemic improvements in handling emergency visa requests.

As they embark on their journey to the US, their only wish is to see Nilam recover. The coming days will be crucial for her health, and the family is determined to provide all the love and support she needs to fight through this difficult time. The world watches with hope, praying for Nilam’s swift and complete recovery.