News Desk
Last Updated: 15 February 2026, 09:40 AM IST
The case comes amid wider concerns over the safety of Indian students abroad, who have sometimes reported discrimination, racist attacks, or alleged negligence by local authorities
Saketh Sreenivasaiah (22).
San Francisco: The body of UC Berkeley student Saketh Sreenivasaiah from Karnataka, who had been reported missing just a day earlier, has been recovered by local authorities.
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco confirmed the tragic news and is in close contact with the student’s parents.
In a post on X, the consulate wrote: “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.”
The statement added that the consulate “stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains to India at the earliest. Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services. @MEAIndia ; @IndianEmbassyUS.”
The consulate had been actively involved in the search and had regularly posted updates regarding Sreenivasaiah’s disappearance. On the previous day, it had expressed concern about his disappearance, saying: “Consulate General of India in San Francisco is deeply concerned about the disappearance of Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian post-graduate 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.”
The cause of Sreenivasaiah’s death has not yet been disclosed by the American police.
The case comes amid wider concerns over the safety of Indian students abroad, who have sometimes reported discrimination, racist attacks, or alleged negligence by local authorities.
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In response to a question raised by MP Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha about student safety overseas, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted its ongoing efforts to protect Indian students.
The ministry said: “The Government accords high priority to safety and security of Indian students abroad and monitors incidents of violence against them. Violent and untoward incidents against them are immediately taken up by the Indian Missions/Posts abroad with the concerned authorities of the host country to ensure that they are properly investigated and the perpetrators are punished.”
It added that Indian Missions “take steps to maintain regular contact with Indian students enrolled in foreign universities in their jurisdictions and conduct pre-orientation sessions with them upon their arrival in foreign lands to brief them on potential challenges, risks, and precautions to be taken while studying overseas, including issue of advisories from time to time.”
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The MEA also encourages students to stay in contact through multiple channels, including the MADAD portal, WhatsApp groups, consular camps, open houses, and emergency hotlines. It said: “Indian Missions/Posts also remain vigilant, particularly in countries affected by political instability, economic crises, and where the risks of students being misled or exploited may be higher. Any incident affecting Indian students are immediately raised with host Governments to ensure their safety and appropriate redressal. Consular assistance, including emergency medical support, temporary accommodation, and other essential services, is extended whenever needed.”
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The ministry highlighted that large-scale evacuation operations have been conducted when required, citing recent examples such as Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan), Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Operation Kaveri (Sudan), and Operation Ajay and Operation Sindhu (Israel and Iran), as evidence of the government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad.
Published: 15 Feb 2026, 09:40 am IST
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