Comatose Indian student's family gets US visa after government's intervention
What's the story
The family of critically injured Indian student in the United States, Nilam Shinde, has finally been issued urgent visas to meet her.
Shinde's father and brother were issued the visas after being rejected multiple times. The news was confirmed by Shinde's cousin Gaurav Kadam.
"A speeding car hit her on February 14. We received a call on February 16 about the accident. The politicians, including CM Devendra Fadnavis, helped us get the visa," Kadam said.
Medical emergency
Shinde's critical condition and immediate surgery
Initially, the interview slot they were given was for next year. The family then appealed to the media and lawmakers.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) intervened after NCP leader Supriya Sule raised the issue, resulting in an accelerated US visa appointment interview window for the family.
Shinde, who remains in a coma, suffered severe injuries on her head, hands, legs, and chest. She was immediately operated on after the accident.
Health update
Her health has improved slightly
Her health has improved slightly, according to her relatives.
"There is progress in her health...because of the accident, her blood pressure was running high, but now it has come down. She is still in a coma and is critical. There is hope that she is fighting it," the cousin said.
The driver whose car hit Shinde sped away following the collision.
Lawrence Gallow (58), the accused, was caught five days later on February 19, the Sacramento Police Department told NDTV.