Indian student found dead in California days after disappearance, Berkeley community mourns bright young mind

A promising Indian postgraduate student was found dead in California nearly a week after he went missing, bringing a tragic end to an intensive search operation that had gripped the academic and local community around University of California, Berkeley.

Saketh Sreenivasaiah, 22, a master’s student in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, had been missing since February 9. Authorities recovered his body six days later following coordinated search efforts across Berkeley, including the hills and areas surrounding Lake Anza. Officials have not yet disclosed the circumstances surrounding his death.

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco confirmed the development in a statement on X, expressing “heartfelt condolences” to his family and loved ones. The Consulate said it is working closely with local authorities to ensure the early repatriation of his mortal remains to India.

Earlier, as search operations were underway, the Consulate had said it was “deeply concerned” about the disappearance of the Karnataka-born student and was in constant touch with both his family and US authorities.

Disappearance sparked large-scale search

Sreenivasaiah was last seen about a kilometre from the Berkeley campus, prompting a citywide search that focused heavily on the Berkeley Hills and Lake Anza. Search teams were reportedly deployed with boats, while volunteers from the local community mobilised through online platforms to assist in the effort.

The disappearance had triggered widespread concern among students and residents, with many joining digital forums to coordinate search updates and offer support.

A scholar with a record of innovation

Originally from Karnataka, Sreenivasaiah had earlier studied at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Madras and completed his schooling at Sri Vani Education Centre in Bengaluru.

According to his LinkedIn profile, he was one of six co-inventors named on a patent for a “microchannel cooling system for hyperloop and a method thereof,” reflecting his deep engagement with cutting-edge research and innovation. Peers described him as intellectually sharp, humble and driven by a relentless curiosity to solve complex engineering challenges.

Safety of Indian students abroad under scrutiny

The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the safety of Indian students overseas. In a recent response to a query raised in the Lok Sabha by Asaduddin Owaisi, the Ministry of External Affairs said Indian missions maintain regular contact with students abroad and conduct pre-orientation sessions to brief them on potential risks.

“Indian Missions/Posts also take steps to maintain regular contact with Indian students enrolled in foreign universities in their jurisdictions… including issue of advisories from time to time,” the Ministry stated.

As investigators in California continue their probe, unanswered questions remain over the circumstances of Sreenivasaiah’s death — even as his family, friends and academic community grapple with the loss of a young life marked by promise and potential.