An Indian student in the United States was reportedly struck by a vehicle in California over 10 days ago and has since remained in a coma, sparking concern among family and friends.

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Thirty-five-year-old Neelam Shinde's parents have sought help from the Indian government to obtain a US visa, allowing them to be by their child's side.

The incident occurred on February 14, following which Neelam was admitted to a local hospital. 

The driver of the vehicle has reportedly been arrested.

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Family seeks Centre's help

The family of the victim said that Neelam has been in the United States for four years and is a final-year student.

Her father, Tanaji Shinde, said that he was informed about the accident on February 16 and since then the family has been trying to get a visa but without any success.

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Neelam's uncle, Sanjay Kadam, told Indian news channel NDTV that the victim's roommates shared the information with the family, “They told us that she has met with a huge accident".

“She is in a coma right now, and we need to be there," the student’s uncle said.

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule reacts

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule also sought External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar’s help in getting a visa for the Shinde family.

"Student Neelam Shinde has met with an accident in the USA and is hospitalized in a local hospital. Her father, Tanaji Shinde, from Satara, Maharashtra, India, urgently needs to visit his daughter due to a medical emergency," Sule said in a post on X.

"Tanaji Shinde has applied for an urgent visa to the USA and requires assistance. Requesting Dr S Jaishankar and the Indian Embassy US to kindly look into the matter and help," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)