US confirms death of Indian-origin UC Berkeley student Saketh Sreenivasaiah
US confirms death of Indian-origin UC Berkeley student Saketh Sreenivasaiah
Consulate aiding family as authorities confirm the death of 22-year-old Saketh, with repatriation plans underway.
A 22-year-old Indian-origin postgraduate student from UC Berkeley, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, has been confirmed dead days after he was reported missing in Berkeley. The Consulate General of India in San Francisco announced via a post on X that local police had recovered his body, and consular officers would assist with all necessary formalities and repatriation to India. Saketh was pursuing a degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UC Berkeley, and authorities had been searching the area after family members reported him missing in the 1700 block of Dwight Way earlier this week.
Family members in Karnataka are awaiting formal confirmation from authorities. Saketh’s father, Sreenivasaiah, said he had not received an official communication yet from the Ministry of External Affairs, the US Embassy, or the Karnataka government. He noted that the last direct contact from the consulate came as a WhatsApp message indicating efforts to locate his son, but emphasized that no official word had been received at home. The consulate has reiterated its readiness to facilitate the process, including coordination with local authorities for repatriation of Saketh’s mortal remains to India.
News of the death has drawn attention to the challenges international students can face abroad. Friends and classmates described Saketh’s final days as difficult, with social media posts reflecting the strain of the missing-person case and the emotional toll on those awaiting news. The incident has prompted conversations about the support systems available to students far from home and the steps universities and consulates can take to assist families during such crises.
As the investigation continues and the consulate works with authorities, Saketh’s family and community grapple with the loss. The consulate’s message underscored the commitment to provide all required services during this profoundly difficult time, including timely updates and arrangements to return Saketh’s remains to India at the earliest opportunity.
