Indian Student Saketh Sreenivasaiah Found Dead in California

The search for Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a young Indian student at UC Berkeley, has ended sadly. He was reported missing on February 9 and his body was found six days later. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco is helping his family.
By Newsroom | Student News, United States |

Tragic End to Search for Missing UC Berkeley Student

The search for Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-old Indian postgraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, concluded with the recovery of his body. Sreenivasaiah was reported missing on February 9 and was found six days later near Berkeley Hills, California. The Indian Consulate General in San Francisco confirmed the development, extending condolences to his family. Sreenivasaiah, who hailed from Tumakuru, Karnataka, was pursuing a master's degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UC Berkeley and was an alumnus of IIT Madras.

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Timeline and Initial Reporting

Sreenivasaiah was last heard from by his father, Sreenivasaiah, on February 9. His disappearance triggered an intensive search operation coordinated by local authorities. His parents contacted the Karnataka Chief Secretary on February 13, seeking governmental assistance. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco actively shared updates on social media, confirming the recovery of his body on Sunday.

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Details of the Search and Discovery

The search efforts for Sreenivasaiah focused on the Lake Anza and surrounding Berkeley Hills areas. During the search, his backpack, containing his passport and laptop, was discovered near a residence close to Tilden Regional Park. Authorities confirmed the recovery of his body six days after he was reported missing.

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Saketh Sreenivasaiah: Academic and Personal Background

  • Sreenivasaiah was a postgraduate student at UC Berkeley, specializing in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

  • He held a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras.

  • His LinkedIn profile indicated a passion for deep-tech innovations in areas such as semiconductors and advanced materials.

  • His roommate, Baneet Singh, played a role in seeking public assistance for his whereabouts through social media posts.

Official Confirmation and Support

The Consulate General of India, San Francisco, officially confirmed the recovery of Sreenivasaiah's body. The consulate pledged to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including support for the repatriation of his mortal remains to India. They expressed deep regret and offered heartfelt condolences during this difficult period.

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Roommate's Recollections

Baneet Singh, Sreenivasaiah's roommate, shared recollections of his final days. He described Sreenivasaiah as appearing withdrawn, with comments suggesting a state of apathy. Singh was actively involved in the search efforts and was coordinating with official channels to help arrange emergency visas for Sreenivasaiah's family to travel to the United States.

Community and Governmental Response

The disappearance of Saketh Sreenivasaiah garnered significant attention, prompting a citywide search and community aid. His parents' appeal to the Karnataka government highlights the emotional and logistical support required during such tragic events involving students studying abroad. The Indian Consulate's proactive communication underscores the role of diplomatic missions in assisting citizens in distress.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Saketh Sreenivasaiah?
Saketh Sreenivasaiah was a 22-year-old student from India studying Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. He was from Tumakuru, Karnataka and studied at IIT Madras before.
Q: When was he reported missing?
He was reported missing on February 9. His body was found six days later.
Q: Where was he found?
His body was found near Berkeley Hills, California, in an area including Lake Anza and Tilden Regional Park.
Q: What is being done to help his family?
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco confirmed his death and is offering help to his family. This includes support for bringing his body back to India.