The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has formally reached out to U.S. authorities to facilitate an urgent visa for the family of Neelam Shinde, an Indian student from Maharashtra’s Satara district, who is currently battling for her life in an American hospital after suffering severe injuries in a road accident. The accident took place on February 14, and a suspect has reportedly been arrested in connection with the incident. Shinde, who was studying in the United States, sustained critical injuries to her head, hands, legs, and chest, requiring immediate medical intervention, including surgery for a severe head injury.
Her family, unaware of the accident for two days, was informed by her roommate. Upon learning of Neelam's dire condition, the hospital treating her sent an email to the family, urging them to travel to the U.S. as soon as possible. However, the family has faced difficulties in securing an immediate visa, prompting them to seek assistance from the Indian government. Adding to their distress, Neelam's mother tragically passed away just days ago, compounding the emotional and logistical challenges for the family.
Desperate for help, Neelam’s family visited the passport office and reached out to multiple officials, including Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol, former Member of Parliament Shriniwas Patil, and former Member of the Legislative Assembly Balasaheb Patil. However, according to her uncle, they were left disappointed as no tangible assistance was provided at that time. In response to their plea, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Supriya Sule took to social media, urging External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene and expedite the visa process for Neelam’s father, Tanaji Shinde, so that he could be with his daughter during this critical period.
The MEA has since confirmed that they have taken up the matter with U.S. authorities, working towards ensuring that Neelam’s family can travel at the earliest. In cases like these, Indian families requiring emergency visas to the United States typically need to provide substantial medical documentation, such as a letter from the treating hospital explaining the medical emergency and the necessity of the family's presence. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India have provisions for emergency visa appointments, but approval depends on meeting the strict criteria and providing valid proof of the urgent situation.
Indian authorities are making coordinated efforts to facilitate the family’s travel, emphasizing the government's commitment to assisting Indian citizens abroad in times of distress. The swift response from the MEA underscores the importance of diplomatic channels in addressing emergencies faced by Indian nationals in foreign countries.
For further updates on Neelam Shinde’s condition and the family's visa status, stay tuned as efforts continue to bring them together during this critical time.
