US grants emergency Visa interview for Nilam Shinde’s father

New Delhi: The United States has scheduled an emergency visa interview for the father of Nilam Shinde, a 35-year-old woman who is in a coma following a road accident in California on February 14. The interview is set for 9 am on Friday at the US consulate in Mumbai, enabling him to travel and be by his daughter's side.

Speaking to NDTV, Ms Shinde’s father confirmed the appointment and expressed hope for a positive outcome. "We got a call from the consulate for an interview... after everyone's help. We hope we will get a visa," he said. He plans to leave from his home in Maharashtra’s Satara district on Thursday night.

MEA intervenes in urgent Visa request

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier taken up the family's request for an urgent visa with US authorities.

According to sources, "The MEA 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."

Shinde, a resident of Maharashtra’s Satara district, suffered severe injuries to her head, hands, and chest in the accident and has remained in a coma since being hospitalised. Her family has been seeking immediate travel clearance to be with her during this critical time.

Political leaders extend support

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Supriya Sule highlighted the case on Wednesday, urging authorities to expedite the visa process.

"Student Neelam Shinde has met with an accident in the USA and is hospitalised in a local hospital," she said in a post on X.

"Her father, Tanaji Shinde, from Satara, Maharashtra, India, urgently needs to visit his daughter due to a medical emergency. Tanaji Shinde has applied for an urgent visa to the USA and requires assistance," she added.

(agency inputs)