Indian Student Neelam Shinde in Coma After Hit-and-Run in US; Police Arrest Accused

Indian student Neelam Shinde, a postgraduate at California State University, was critically injured in a hit-and-run accident in Sacramento, California, on February 14, 2025. While walking on Fair Oaks Boulevard, she was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by 58-year-old Lawrence Gallows, who fled the scene immediately. Shinde sustained severe injuries, including fractures to her arms and legs, and underwent emergency brain surgery at UC Davis Medical Center. She has remained in a coma since the incident. Sacramento police arrested Gallows five days after the accident. The arrest followed intensive efforts to identify and locate him. 

Shinde's family, residing in Satara, Maharashtra, faced challenges in obtaining emergency visas to visit her. Initially, their requests were overlooked, and they were asked to leave the visa office premises. However, after intervention from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and NCP leader Supriya Sule, the US embassy granted emergency visas to her father and brother. They are scheduled to depart for Sacramento to be by her side during this critical period.

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has been in continuous contact with the hospital, Shinde's family, and friends, providing all possible assistance and support. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of Indian students abroad and the challenges families face in emergency situations. Discussions are ongoing regarding the need for streamlined processes to assist families during such crises.