Published Feb 15, 2026 | 10:54 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 15, 2026 | 10:54 AM
Saketh Sreenivasaiah.
Synopsis: 22-year-old Karnataka native Saketh Sreenivasaiah, who was studying at the University of California and had been missing since 9 February, was confirmed dead.
Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-old postgraduate student hailing from Karnataka, who was studying at the University of California, Berkeley, the US, has been confirmed dead.
The Indian Consulate in San Francisco confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday, 15 February.
“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 said.
He was missing since 9 February and was last seen near Lake Anza in the Berkeley hills.
The Consulate said it would provide all necessary assistance to the family for the repatriation of mortal remains to India.
“The Consulate stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains to India at the earliest. Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services,” it said.
Earlier, on 13 February, the Karnataka government had requested assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs in the matter.
“It is requested that the Ministry of External Affairs, through the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, extend all necessary assistance, including coordination with local law enforcement and facilitation of support to the family,” Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh said in a letter to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Saketh’s father, Sreenivasaiah, told reporters that he had last spoken to his son on 9 February.
He was reported missing by his roommate, and a citywide search was launched around Lake Anza and the Berkeley Hills areas. His backpack, containing his passport and laptop, was later found near a residence close to Tilden Regional Park, near the campus.
(With inputs from Anisha Reddy.)
