US Approves Urgent Visa Interview for Father of Critical Indian Student
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The US has arranged an emergency visa interview for Tanaji Shinde, father of critically injured Indian student Nilam Shinde, who's in a coma after a car accident in California. The family had struggled to secure a visa, prompting political intervention.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent visa interview for Tanaji Shinde scheduled.
- Nilam Shinde remains in a coma post-accident.
- Family faced challenges in obtaining a visa.
- Political figures have intervened to expedite the process.
- Hospital requested consent for emergency surgery.
New Delhi, Feb 27 (NationPress) The United States has arranged an urgent visa interview for the father of Nilam Shinde, a 35-year-old Indian student currently in a coma at a California hospital following a serious road accident on February 14. The interview is set for 9 a.m. on Friday.
This development occurred after the American branch of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) contacted the US government. While emergency travel permits for medical reasons are typically issued quickly, the reasons for the delay in this case remain uncertain, according to reports from NDTV.
Shinde's family had made an urgent appeal to the government for help, having struggled to obtain a visa for her father, Tanaji Shinde, who has been trying to travel to the US since they learned of the accident on February 16.
A Master of Science student in her final year, Shinde suffered multiple fractures and serious injuries to her chest and head after being struck by a four-wheeler. The hospital treating her required immediate family consent for a brain surgery, as per the family.
"We learned about the accident on February 16 and have been attempting to secure a visa since then. However, we have not received it yet," her father told NDTV.
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule took up the case, urging External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to expedite the visa process. She tagged him in a post on X, calling for immediate action.
"This is a concerning issue, and we all need to unite to resolve it. I have been in constant communication with the family, assuring them that this will be addressed," Sule stated to NDTV.
Despite political differences with the central government, she commended EAM Jaishankar for his prompt response and the MEA's ongoing support for Indians abroad.
"My experience with the MEA has been incredibly positive. They consistently go above and beyond to assist," she mentioned, adding 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 she was involved in a major accident," he said.
The family is extremely worried about her condition and is eager to be by her side.
"The hospital administration requested our consent for brain surgery. She is in a coma at the moment, and we need to be there," Kadam added.
Although the hospital has been providing daily updates on her health, the family has become increasingly frustrated with the visa delays.
"We have been attempting to book slots, but the earliest available date is next year," Kadam stated.
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.
