Indian Student Neelam Shinde in Coma After US Hit-and-Run; Suspect Arrested

A 58-year-old man, Lawrence Gallows, has been arrested for a hit-and-run incident that left Indian student Neelam Shinde critically injured in San Francisco, California.

According to the Sacramento police, Gallows struck Shinde with his car on February 14 on Fair Oaks Boulevard and fled the scene. Officers arrived shortly after 7 PM to find Shinde on the ground with severe injuries while the accused had already escaped. Law enforcement officials worked tirelessly to track him down.

Originally from Satara, Maharashtra, Shinde is a postgraduate student at California State University. The accident left her with multiple fractures in her arms and legs, and she also required emergency brain surgery. She has been in a coma since the incident.

Family Granted Emergency Visa

After the accident, Shinde’s family applied for a US visa but was initially given an appointment for next year. However, following intervention by NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule and the Ministry of External Affairs, the process was expedited, and they were granted a visa to be by her side.

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco expressed support for Shinde and her family, stating on X, “We have been in constant touch with the hospital, family, and friends for the last several days and have been rendering all possible assistance. We will continue to remain engaged to support her and the family.”