New Delhi, Feb 27 (NationPress) The United States has arranged an emergency visa interview for Tanaji Shinde, the father of Nilam Shinde, a 35-year-old Indian student currently in a coma at a hospital in California after a road incident on February 14. This crucial interview is set for 9 a.m. on Friday.

This decision followed outreach from the American section of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to the US government. Normally, emergency travel permits for medical situations are processed rapidly, but it's unclear why there was a delay in this instance, as reported by NDTV.

Shinde's family had urgently requested help from the Centre, struggling to get a visa for Tanaji, who has been attempting to travel to the US since he learned about the accident on February 16.

A Master of Science student in her final year, Shinde suffered several fractures and severe injuries to her chest and head after being struck by a four-wheeler. The hospital has requested immediate family consent for brain surgery, according to the family.

"We became aware of the accident on February 16 and have been trying for a visa since then. However, we have yet to receive it," her father stated in an interview with NDTV.

MP Supriya Sule from the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) addressed the issue, urging External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to expedite the visa process. She tagged him in a post on X, calling for urgent intervention.

"This is a concerning issue, and we must all unite to find a solution. I have been in constant communication with the family, assuring them that this will be resolved," Sule informed NDTV.

Despite political differences with the Centre, she commended EAM Jaishankar's swift response and the MEA’s unwavering support for Indians abroad.

"My experience with the MEA has been exceptionally positive. They consistently go above and beyond to assist," she added, noting that she has also contacted the US Embassy in Mumbai.

Shinde's uncle, Sanjay Kadam, recounted how the family first received the heartbreaking news from her roommates.

"The police took her to the hospital, and her roommates informed us on February 16. They told us about the serious accident," he recounted.

The family is deeply concerned about her well-being and is eager to be by her side.

"The hospital administration sought our approval for brain surgery. She is currently in a coma, and we need to be there," Kadam added.

Although the hospital has been providing daily updates on her condition, the family became increasingly frustrated with the visa delays.

"We have been attempting to schedule slots, but the earliest available date is next year," Kadam expressed.

With the emergency visa interview now confirmed, the family is hopeful to travel to the US as soon as possible to be with Shinde during this critical time.