Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-old student at the University of California, Berkeley, who had been reported missing since February 9, has been found dead, the Indian Consulate in San Francisco said on Sunday.
In a post on X, the Consulate said local authorities had confirmed the recovery of his body. “The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time,” the statement read.
The mission also said it is extending all possible support to the bereaved family, including coordinating with local authorities and facilitating the repatriation of his mortal remains to India at the earliest. Officials are in touch with the family to assist with necessary formalities.
Background
Sreenivasaiah was last seen near Lake Anza in the Berkeley Hills before he went missing. According to local media reports, his backpack — which contained his passport and laptop — was later found on a doorstep in the neighbourhood.
Originally from Karnataka, Saketh had completed his BTech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras in 2025, as per his LinkedIn profile. He was pursuing a master’s degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UC Berkeley.
After he was reported missing, his roommate, Baneet Singh, had appealed for information through social media. In a LinkedIn post, Singh said Saketh was last seen near Lake Anza and requested anyone with information to come forward, adding that he was working closely with the police during the search.
The case had also drawn attention in Karnataka, with Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh writing to the Ministry of External Affairs seeking diplomatic assistance. Throughout the search operation, the Indian Consulate remained in contact with local authorities involved in efforts to trace the student.
Further details surrounding the circumstances of his death are awaited.