Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a UC Berkeley student from Karnataka who went missing in the US less than a week ago, has been found dead. His body was recovered by local authorities.
His backpack, containing his passport and laptop, was discovered on a doorstep in the Park Hills neighborhood, according to a report by The Berkeley Scanner.
On Saturday, the Karnataka government approached the Center and sought the support of the Ministry of External Affairs. In a letter to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Principal Secretary Rajneesh asked the ministry to provide all necessary assistance, including coordination with local law enforcement agencies and support to the family, through the Consulate General of India in San Francisco.
In a post on X, the Consulate General said: “The Consulate is deeply sorry to announce that the local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student Saket Sreenivasaiah. We offer our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones at this deeply difficult time.” The statement also said it will provide all necessary support to the family.
The consulate said it was ready to offer the family all the necessary assistance, including working with local authorities and taking steps to repatriate the remains to India as soon as possible. She added that her consular officials are in direct contact with the family and will help her handle all the required formalities and services.
The Consulate General also took part in the search operation and is in contact with his parents.
Who was Saketh Sreenivasaiah?
Saketh Sreenvasaiah, 22, was a young engineering graduate with a solid academic background spanning India and the United States.
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On his LinkedIn profile, he described himself as a master’s student in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, with a bachelor’s degree from IIT Madras. He wrote that he was passionate about deep technological innovation in soft and active materials, semiconductors and advanced materials.
Police records reportedly described him as 6 feet 1 inch tall, with short black hair and brown eyes when authorities began trying to find him.
Meanwhile, Indian students studying overseas have often expressed concerns about alleged discrimination, racist attacks and inaction by local authorities.
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Responding to a question by MP Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha regarding the safety of students abroad, the Ministry of External Affairs outlined the steps it has taken to protect Indian nationals overseas, according to ANI.
In its written reply, the ministry said the government accords top priority to the safety and security of Indian students abroad and monitors incidents of violence involving them. It noted that any violent or inappropriate incidents are immediately initiated by Indian missions and authorities in the host country to ensure proper investigation and action against those responsible.
The ministry also said that Indian missions and authorities maintain regular contact with students enrolled in foreign universities within their jurisdiction. They conduct orientation sessions upon students’ arrival to inform them of potential challenges, risks and necessary precautions, and issue advice from time to time.
To facilitate effective communication and timely assistance, the statement added that students are encouraged to stay in touch with local Indian missions and posts through various channels, including the ministry’s MADAD portal, dedicated WhatsApp groups, consular camps, open days and emergency helplines.