‘Deeply regret’: Indian Consulate confirms death of missing student Saketh Sreenivasaiah

Saketh Sreenivasaiah, the 22-year-old Indian student who had been missing in the United States since February 9, has been found dead near Lake Anza in the Berkeley Hills. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco confirmed on Sunday that local police had recovered his body and extended condolences to his family.

Sreenivasaiah was pursuing a Master of Science in the Product Development Programme at the University of California, Berkeley. He hailed from Tumakuru in Karnataka and was last seen near Lake Anza in Tilden Regional Park. According to earlier information, his backpack containing his passport and laptop had been found in the neighbourhood.

In a statement, the Consulate General of India, San Francisco said it “deeply regrets” the confirmation of his death and assured that all necessary assistance would be provided to the bereaved family. The mission stated that it is coordinating with local authorities and will facilitate the repatriation of his mortal remains to India.

Sreenivasaiah’s family had been in touch with authorities after he went missing, and his roommates had also sought public help in locating him. A formal complaint had been lodged with the Berkeley Police Department as search efforts were underway.

The Karnataka government had earlier requested the Ministry of External Affairs to extend diplomatic assistance in the matter. With the recovery of the body now confirmed, consular officials remain in direct contact with the family to assist with required formalities during this difficult time.