February 27, 2025: The United States is considering granting an emergency visa for the family members of Nilam Shinde, a 35-year-old Indian student who has been in a coma at a California hospital since a tragic road accident on February 14, according to sources.

The Indian External Affairs Ministry’s Americas Division formally reached out to US authorities to expedite the visa process, given the critical nature of Ms. Shinde’s condition. While emergency travel permits are generally processed swiftly, the reasons for the delay in this case remain unclear.

Ms. Shinde, a student at California State University, sustained multiple fractures and severe brain injuries after being hit from behind by a four-wheeler. She underwent emergency brain surgery, but has remained in a coma ever since. The hospital has sought consent from family members for crucial medical decisions, making their presence urgent.

Her family applied for a visa within 48 hours of the accident, but the application has yet to be processed. According to her uncle, Kadam Shinde, the earliest available appointment is for next year, adding to the family's distress.

The university issued a statement on February 16, confirming Ms. Shinde's critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit and urging authorities to expedite her family's travel permits. "The patient's father must assist the UC Davis Medical Centre care team with making medical decisions, as Ms. Shinde is currently intubated and on life support," the statement read.

Typically, emergency visas are granted for medical crises, requiring written documentation from doctors to request expedited appointments. However, limited slots for such applications often lead to delays.

Ms. Shinde’s case gained national attention after NCP MP Supriya Sule raised concerns over the delay and appealed to the External Affairs Ministry for intervention. She highlighted the plight of Ms. Shinde’s father, brother, and uncle, particularly since her mother passed away from brain cancer last year. "This is an alarming issue. We need to get together and resolve it," she said.

Following her appeal, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ office reached out to the family, offering support. Meanwhile, local police continue their investigation into the accident, and the driver responsible is currently in custody. However, legal challenges remain, as filing a case may require a blood relative’s presence.

Ms. Shinde, a Master of Science student, has been studying in the US for the past four years. Her family now awaits a decision from US authorities, hoping for swift action so they can be by her side during this critical time.