Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-old student at the University of California, Berkeley who had been reported missing earlier this month, has been confirmed dead in the United States. The confirmation was issued on Sunday by the Indian Consulate in San Francisco after local law enforcement authorities recovered his body, bringing a tragic end to days of search efforts and growing concern among family, friends, and the wider Indian student community.
In an official statement shared on social media, the Consulate expressed deep sorrow over the development and conveyed condolences to Sreenivasaiah’s family and loved ones during what it described as an extremely difficult and painful time. The diplomatic mission stated that it remains committed to supporting the family through the aftermath of the incident, including coordinating with American authorities and facilitating the repatriation of his mortal remains to India at the earliest possible time. Consular officials also confirmed that they are in direct communication with the family and will assist them with all necessary legal, administrative, and logistical formalities.
Prior to his disappearance, Sreenivasaiah was last seen on February 9 near Lake Anza, located in the Berkeley Hills area. According to local media reports, his backpack was later discovered at a nearby residence, raising immediate concern. The bag reportedly contained personal belongings including his passport and laptop, which intensified fears about his safety and prompted authorities to begin an active search operation in the surrounding area.
Originally from Karnataka, Sreenivasaiah had an accomplished academic background. He completed his Bachelor of Technology degree in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras in 2025, one of India’s most prestigious engineering institutions. Following his undergraduate studies, he moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was continuing his higher education at the time of his disappearance.
After he went missing, efforts to locate him gained momentum both online and offline. His roommate, Baneet Singh, publicly appealed for information through social media platforms, urging anyone who might have seen or heard from Sreenivasaiah to come forward. In his message, Singh described the situation as deeply distressing and emphasized that he was working closely with local police in hopes of finding his missing roommate. The appeal was widely shared, drawing attention from students, community members, and Indian diaspora networks across the region.
The case also prompted involvement from Indian authorities. Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh reportedly reached out to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, requesting diplomatic intervention and assistance as search efforts continued in coordination with US law enforcement agencies. Throughout the investigation, the Indian Consulate maintained regular contact with local officials, monitoring developments and providing support wherever possible.
The confirmation of Sreenivasaiah’s death has sparked widespread grief among students and members of the Indian community both in India and abroad. While authorities have confirmed the recovery of the body, further details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been publicly disclosed. Investigations by local agencies are expected to continue to determine the sequence of events leading up to the tragedy.
As arrangements are being made to return his remains to India, the focus has shifted toward supporting the grieving family and ensuring all procedures are handled with care and sensitivity. The incident has also highlighted the challenges faced by international students and the importance of coordinated efforts between diplomatic missions, local authorities, and community networks during emergencies involving citizens abroad.
