After India’s Appeal, US Expedites Visa Interview for Injured Student’s Family: Sources

The US has arranged an emergency visa interview for Nilam Shinde’s father, a 35-year-old student in a coma at a California hospital after a car accident on February 14. The interview will take place at 9 am on Friday, said sources to NDTV.

Important Points of the Case

India’s Plea for Emergency Visa

The External Affairs Ministry’s Americas Division approached the US government and requested an expedited visa for Nilam Shinde’s father. Even medical emergency visas usually get processed soon, the reason for the delay is not certain.

The Accident and Critical Injuries

Nilam Shinde, a California State University student, was left with serious injuries, including multiple fractures, when she was struck from behind by a four-wheeler. Following a critical brain surgery in an emergency procedure, she has remained in a coma ever since.

Family’s Visa Application Put On Hold

The family applied for a visa two days after the accident, but the application was pending. The earliest possible interview date available, her uncle, Kadam Shinde, said, was originally set for next year.

University’s Call for Prompt Family Presence

In a statement made on February 16, California State University confirmed that Shinde was in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The university called on the authorities to expedite a visa for her father, as he needs to make her medical decisions.

“The patient’s father will need to help the UC Davis Medical Centre care team make Ms Shinde’s medical care planning decisions. Ms Shinde cannot communicate because of the severity of her injuries and because she is intubated and on life support.”

Limited Emergency Visa Slots

The US does issue emergency visas for medical emergencies, on the basis of a doctor’s note requesting an urgent visa appointment. But these are made at the discretion of availability, and limited availability leads to delays.

MP Supriya Sule Raises Alarm

The case became national news after NCP MP Supriya Sule brought the family’s plight to the fore. She urged the External Affairs Ministry to step in, stressing the urgency of the matter.

“This is a worrying matter. We must come together and sort this out,” she said to NDTV.

Soon after, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ office also reached out to the family.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Challenges

Local police are probing the accident, and the driver is in custody. Legal proceedings are, however, hampered since a blood relation has to be present for certain legal actions.

Nilam Shinde, a Master of Science student, has been residing in the US for four years.