Karnataka student Saket Srinivasayya found dead in California after six days; Probe underway

CALIFORNIA: In a deeply distressing development, 22-year-old Karnataka student Saket Srinivasayya, who had been missing for six days in California, has been found dead. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Indian student community in the United States and reignited conversations about the safety and well-being of students studying abroad.

Saketh was pursuing a Master’s degree in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley). According to reports, he was last seen on February 9, nearly a kilometre away from the university campus. When he could not be reached and failed to return, concerns escalated among friends and family, prompting local authorities to initiate a search operation.

Search efforts were concentrated in and around Lake Anza, the Berkeley Hills and adjoining wooded areas. Volunteers, law enforcement personnel and community members joined hands in tracing the missing student. During the search, a bag containing Saketh’s passport and laptop was reportedly discovered near a residential property close to Tilden Regional Park. The recovery of these personal belongings intensified anxiety and raised further questions about the circumstances of his disappearance.

After nearly a week of searching, local authorities recovered Saketh’s body. The Consulate General of India, San Francisco confirmed the development and expressed condolences to the grieving family. In a statement, the Consulate assured that it is coordinating with local officials and extending all necessary assistance to expedite the repatriation of Saketh’s mortal remains to India.

Saketh hailed from Bengaluru, where his family resides in Nagarabhavi. Both his parents are government employees. The news of his death has left the family devastated. They have applied for emergency visas to travel to the United States and formally identify their son. Family members have reportedly stated that they are in deep shock and are awaiting clarity on the exact circumstances surrounding his death.

Academically accomplished, Saketh had previously studied at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras before moving to the United States for higher studies. During his academic career, he was associated with a patent related to Hyperloop technology, reflecting his strong research credentials and promising future. Friends and faculty members have described him as bright, focused and driven.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns about the pressures faced by international students, including academic stress, cultural adjustment and isolation. In recent years, several cases involving Indian students in foreign countries have sparked debate about the adequacy of support systems available to them.

The matter has also drawn attention in political circles. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi raised concerns over student safety abroad, urging authorities to ensure stronger mechanisms for support and crisis response. The Ministry of External Affairs has previously stated that Indian missions abroad remain in regular contact with students and universities and provide assistance whenever required.

As of now, authorities in California have not released detailed findings regarding the cause of death. It remains unclear whether the incident was accidental, related to mental health issues or due to other factors. Officials have indicated that investigations are ongoing and have urged the public to avoid speculation until the inquiry is completed.