The family of Nilam Shinde, a 35-year-old Indian student critically injured in a road accident in California on February 14, is urgently seeking a visa to be by her side. Despite multiple attempts, her father, Tanaji Shinde, has yet to secure travel clearance.

Nilam sustained severe head and chest injuries after being struck by a vehicle. Her family was informed two days later, and the hospital sought consent for brain surgery. “We have been struggling to get a visa since February 16,” her father said.

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule has urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to expedite the visa process, highlighting the urgency in a social media appeal. She emphasized that political differences aside, Jaishankar has been consistently supportive of Indian students abroad.

Nilam’s uncle, Sanjay Kadam, revealed that her limbs are also fractured, and the hospital provides daily updates on her condition. The family, however, faces a major hurdle, as the next available visa appointment is only next year.

Ms. Shinde, pursuing a Master of Science degree in the US for four years, is in her final year. Her family remains desperate for immediate intervention to reach her during this critical time.