New Delhi: India has formally reached out to the US government over an urgent visa for the family of Neelam Shinde, a student from Maharashtra's Satara district who is currently battling for her life in an American hospital after she suffered critical injuries in a road accident, media reports said.
“The Ministry of External Affairs 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,” a PTI report said, citing sources.
Speaking to India Today TV, Neelam's brother Gaurav Kadam said the accident took place in Sacramento, California, on February 14. "She was hit by a vehicle from behind and the driver sped off, without even stopping to check what had happened. It is a case of hit-and-run. She suffered serious injuries on her head, hands and legs. She is currently in coma," he added.
According to information, a person has been arrested in connection with the accident and Neelam's family was informed of the accident two days later by her roommate, who is also from Maharashtra.
She had to undergo immediate surgery due to the head injury. In the wake of her condition, the hospital sent an e-mail to the family, asking them to come to the US as soon as possible.
As the family is facing trouble with acquiring an immediate visa to the US, it has sought the Indian government's help with efforts also to provide all kinds of required medical assistance.
