Indian Student Missing in California: Search Intensifies for UC Berkeley Postgrad
Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a 22-year-old Indian postgraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, has been reported missing in the United States, prompting urgent search operations by local authorities and raising significant concern from Indian diplomatic officials. The disappearance has triggered a coordinated response involving multiple agencies as efforts to locate the young scholar intensify.
Last Known Location and Discovery of Belongings
According to PTI and local media reports, Sreenivasaiah was last seen on Tuesday in the 1700 block of Dwight Way in Berkeley, California. In a concerning development, his backpack containing critical personal items was later discovered on a doorstep in the Park Hills neighbourhood near Tilden Regional Park. The backpack reportedly held his passport and laptop, adding to the urgency of the situation. The Berkeley Scanner news portal first reported details about this discovery, as confirmed by PTI.
Search Operations Underway in East Bay Area
The Berkeley Police Department has confirmed that an active search is currently underway near Lake Anza in the East Bay area. Police authorities are collaborating closely with the East Bay Regional Park District to coordinate comprehensive search efforts across the region.
"We are working with EBRPD to coordinate ongoing search efforts," the Berkeley Police Department stated, according to IANS. "We are still asking for the community's help in locating him."
Police have provided a detailed physical description of Sreenivasaiah to aid in identification:
- Approximately six feet one inch tall
- Weighing around 73 kilograms
- Short black hair
- Brown eyes
Authorities have urgently requested that anyone with information regarding Sreenivasaiah's whereabouts immediately notify local law enforcement. IANS also quoted police sources indicating that Sreenivasaiah was reportedly upset about a relationship prior to his disappearance, though this remains part of the ongoing investigation.
Indian Consulate Expresses Deep Concern
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has expressed profound concern about the disappearance and confirmed active engagement with both the family and local authorities. In a post on social media platform X, the Consulate stated: "Consulate General of India in San Francisco is deeply concerned about the disappearance of Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian post graduate student of University of California, Berkeley, hailing from Karnataka. The Consulate is in touch with the family and also is in contact with the concerned local authorities to locate the student."
ANI reported that the Consulate is actively coordinating with authorities and Sreenivasaiah's parents as search efforts continue to locate the missing student, demonstrating the diplomatic mission's commitment to supporting Indian citizens abroad.
Academic Background and Professional Aspirations
According to his LinkedIn profile, Sreenivasaiah is pursuing a Master of Science under the Product Development Programme at the University of California, Berkeley, for the academic year 2025 to 2026. His educational journey reflects exceptional academic achievement:
- He completed his Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Madras between October 2021 and June 2025, graduating with an impressive grade of 8.41 out of 10.
- Before his undergraduate studies, he attended BASE PU College for pre-university education and JEE preparation.
- He completed his schooling at Sri Vani Education Centre, where he scored an outstanding 96.5 percent in his Class 10 board examinations.
In his professional description, Sreenivasaiah identifies as "a Masters student in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at UC Berkeley, with an undergraduate degree from IIT Madras." He adds that he is "passionate about deep tech innovations in soft and active materials, semiconductors, and advanced materials," according to his LinkedIn profile, highlighting his dedication to cutting-edge technological advancements.
Diplomatic Attention and Ongoing Investigation
The case has drawn significant attention from the Indian diplomatic mission in the United States. The Consulate General in San Francisco remains in continuous contact with authorities and the family as the search operation progresses. Police have reiterated their request for public assistance, urging anyone with information regarding Sreenivasaiah's whereabouts to contact local law enforcement immediately. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with multiple agencies collaborating to resolve this concerning disappearance.
