Who is Neelam Shinde, Indian Student Battling For Life In California After Life-Threatening Accident

Mumbai: Neelam Shinde, Indian student at a California state university hailing from Maharashtra's Satara, is battling for life after she was mowed down by a four wheeler, on February 14 in United States. Neelam received injuries to brain, chest, and had her both legs and hands fractured. She underwent a brain surgery and since then is in coma.

According to California hospital, Neelam Shinde is in condition with an uncertain prognosis and is receiving care in the Intensive Care Unit, the California-based University said.

The university further want patient's father to visit UC Davis Medical Centre care team, where his daughter is being treated and take call regarding her medical care planning. Neelam Shinde is currently on life support.

Neelam went US to pursue Master of Science 

Neelam Shinde, 35, originally a resident of Maharashtra’s Satara, went for higher studies to pursue Master of Science (MS) at a California State University and has been living in US for the past 4 years.

On February 14, she met with a life-threatening accident after a car mowed her down while she was walking on the road.

She was rushed to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California and since then is being treated there. Currently, Neelam is on a life support systems.

Neelam Shinde's family seeks urgent visa approval to visit her

Neelam Shinde's family, who got the news about her accident two days later on February 16, applied for medical emergency visa to visit her in United States. However, the family faced delays in getting the interview appointment.

Seeking an urgent visa approval, the family sought help from the government and requested for an early Visa interview appointment. Speaking on the matter, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "The MEA has taken up the matter with the US. The US side is looking into the formalities for early grant of visa for the applicant's family,” PTI quoted a source as saying.

Neelam's family has also been contacted by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' office.

According to reports, Neelam's uncle earlier said that when they first applied for a visa, the latest date given to them was of next year. However after government's intervention, the girl's father has now got a visa interview date for Friday.   

Accused driver under police custody

According to reports, the local authorities in US has arrested the accused driver and initiated an investigation into the case. However, in order to register a complaint, police need a statement from a blood relative since Neelam is in coma and not in a condition to speak.