Indian student missing in California found dead after six days
Babushahi Bureau
California (US), February 15, 2025:Saket Srinivasaiah, a resident of Karnataka and a graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, was found deceased following an extensive search operation in California. He had been missing since February 9.
The Consulate General of India, San Francisco, confirmed the recovery of the body and extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family. The consulate stated that it is coordinating with local authorities and will provide full assistance to ensure the repatriation of the mortal remains to India at the earliest.
According to officials, a large-scale search was launched around Lake Anza and the Berkeley Hills after Saket was reported missing. He was last seen approximately a kilometre from the campus. His backpack, containing his passport and laptop, was later recovered near a residence close to Tilden Regional Park.
Saket was pursuing a Master’s degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Berkeley. He was an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology Madras and had completed his schooling at Sri Vani Education Centre in Bengaluru.
As per his professional profile, Saket was part of a six-member team that secured a patent for developing a “microchannel cooling system for hyperloop.” Friends and acquaintances described him as intelligent, humble, and deeply committed to his work.
Meanwhile, responding to a question raised in the Lok Sabha by Asaduddin Owaisi regarding the safety of Indian students abroad, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that Indian missions remain in regular contact with students overseas. The ministry said advisories are issued periodically, and students are informed about necessary precautions and potential risks in their respective regions.
Further details regarding the cause of death are awaited from local authorities.