Bengaluru Father Appeals for Help in Search for Son Missing in California
A resident of Bengaluru, Sreenivasaiah, has urgently approached the Karnataka state government, seeking its intervention to trace his 22-year-old son, Saketh Sreenivasiah, who has been missing from Berkeley, California, USA, since February 12. The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of international authorities and the distressing circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
Details of the Disappearance
Saketh Sreenivasiah, a postgraduate student pursuing a Master of Science degree at the University of California, Berkeley, was last seen in the 1700 block of Dwight Way. According to local media reports, his backpack, containing his passport and laptop, was discovered on a doorstep in the Park Hills neighbourhood. This discovery has heightened concerns about his safety and whereabouts.
In a heartfelt letter to the government, Sreenivasaiah, who resides at Srigandada Kaval in west Bengaluru, detailed the events. He wrote, "Our son, Saketh Sreenivasiah, is currently pursuing his Master of Science degree at the University of California, Berkeley, California, USA. He has been missing since the morning of Feb 12. His housemate searched all known places and, after confirming that he was not traceable, lodged a formal complaint at Berkeley police station. Police are actively investigating and searching for him; however, his whereabouts remain unknown."
Government and Consulate Response
Reacting to the plea, Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh has taken swift action by writing to Vikram Misri, Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of External Affairs. In her letter, she stated, "Given the gravity of the situation and the mounting anxiety of his family residing in our state, I request your kind intervention and support. It is requested that the Ministry of External Affairs, through the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, extend all necessary assistance, including coordination with local law enforcement and facilitation of support to the family."
The Indian Consulate in San Francisco has expressed deep concern over the disappearance. In an X post, it said, "...deeply concerned about the disappearance of Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian postgraduate student of UC Berkeley, hailing from the State of Karnataka. The Consulate is in touch with the family and also is in contact with the concerned local authorities to locate the student." This highlights the collaborative efforts between Indian and American authorities in the ongoing search.
Ongoing Investigation and Family's Anguish
The Berkeley Police Department is actively investigating the case, but as of now, Saketh's location remains unknown. The family in Bengaluru is experiencing immense distress, with Sreenivasaiah emphasizing the urgency of the situation in his appeal. The involvement of high-level government officials underscores the seriousness with which this matter is being treated, aiming to provide solace and expedite the search process.
This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by international students and the critical role of diplomatic channels in such emergencies. As the search continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help reunite Saketh with his worried family.
