A 22-year-old Indian student at the University of California, Berkeley, has been found dead, nearly a week after he went missing in California. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a postgraduate student in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, had been missing since February 9. His body was recovered six days later after an intensive search around Berkeley, The Indian Express reported.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco confirmed the news in a post on X. It expressed condolences to his family and said efforts are underway to repatriate his mortal remains to India. Earlier, the Consulate had said it was deeply concerned and was in touch with the family and local authorities.
The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time.
— India in San Francisco (@CGISFO) February 14, 2026
The Consulate stands…
Who was Saketh Sreenivasaiah?
Originally from Karnataka, Sreenivasaiah had earlier studied at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. He completed his schooling at Sri Vani Education Centre in Bengaluru, as per The Indian Express.
His LinkedIn profile says that he was among six co-inventors listed on a patent for a "microchannel cooling system for hyperloop and a method thereof." Friends described him as witty, humble, and intellectually sharp. They said he had a strong research-driven mindset and loved solving problems, according to The Indian Express.
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Search operations and community efforts
Sreenivasaiah was last seen about a kilometre from the university campus. His disappearance led to a citywide search focused on Lake Anza and the surrounding Berkeley Hills area.
During the search, his backpack containing his passport and laptop was found near a residence close to Tilden Regional Park.
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Local residents also joined the efforts. Volunteers coordinated through Reddit, sharing updates and organising search teams. Some reported boats combing Lake Anza, while others offered help with dogs.
