NEW YORK, February 14: A 22-year-old Indian postgraduate student from Karnataka has sparked a frantic search after going missing in California’s Berkeley area, heightening concerns among the Indian diaspora and prompting swift action from US authorities and the Indian consulate.
Saketh Sreenivasaiah, pursuing advanced studies at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), was last seen on Tuesday in the 1700 block of Dwight Way. Local media, citing Berkeley Police, reported the alarming disappearance, which has left his family, friends, and campus community in distress. Sreenivasaiah hails from Karnataka, joining thousands of Indian students who form a significant portion of the over 200,000 Indian nationals studying in the US annually—many facing urban challenges far from home.
Adding to the mystery, his backpack—containing critical items like his passport and laptop—was discovered abandoned on a doorstep in the Park Hills neighborhood, as detailed by The Berkeley Scanner news portal. The discovery suggests possible foul play or disorientation, though police have not ruled out voluntary disappearance. Investigators are combing CCTV footage, canvassing witnesses, and analyzing digital footprints from his devices to piece together his last movements.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco voiced profound alarm in an official X post: “…deeply concerned about the disappearance of Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian postgraduate student of UC Berkeley, hailing from the State of Karnataka.” Emphasizing support, it added, “The Consulate is in touch with the family and also is in contact with the concerned local authorities to locate the student.” Diplomatic channels are coordinating with Berkeley PD, UC Berkeley’s administration, and federal agencies if needed, reflecting India’s proactive stance on citizen welfare abroad.
Sreenivasaiah is described as approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall, weighing around 73 kilograms (160 lbs), with short black hair and brown eyes. He was last spotted in casual attire typical of a student, though exact clothing details remain under wraps to aid the investigation.
Berkeley Police have issued a public plea, urging anyone with information—no matter how minor—to contact local law enforcement immediately via non-emergency lines or anonymous tips. “Time is critical in missing persons cases,” a spokesperson noted, highlighting the neighborhood’s mix of student housing and residential areas prone to transient activity.
This incident revives worries about the safety of Indian students in the US, following similar high-profile cases amid rising reports of assaults, thefts, and unexplained vanishings. UC Berkeley has activated its missing student protocol, offering counseling to peers and increasing campus patrols. Sreenivasaiah’s family, reportedly devastated, is traveling from India and has appealed globally for leads.
As searches intensify with drones, K9 units, and volunteer networks, the hope remains for a swift, safe resolution. Authorities remind international students to share itineraries, use safety apps, and stay vigilant in unfamiliar areas.
