Missing Indian student in US, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, found dead; Consulate extends support to family

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Consulate General of India in San Francisco said that local police had confirmed the recovery of the missing student’s body. This is not the first time such an incident has come to light. Indian students abroad have reportedly often complained of alleged discrimination and racist attacks.

An Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a postgraduate at the University of California, Berkeley from Karnataka who had gone missing earlier, has been found dead, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco said on Sunday (IST).

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Consulate said that local police had confirmed the recovery of the missing student’s body.

"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 post read. 

"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," it added. 

Saketh Sreenivasaiah was reportedly a 22-year-old Indian student. He had been missing in the United States since February 9, according to an NDTV report.  

Also Read- Who is Saketh Sreenivasaiah? 22-year-old Indian IIT Madras grad missing in US Berkeley

Earlier, in a post on X, the Consulate General had stated, "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."

Indians in US

This is not the first time such an incident has come to light. According to ANI, Indian students abroad often complained of alleged discrimination, racist attacks, and negligence by authorities.

In a question raised by MP Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha on student safety abroad, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted its efforts to ensure the safety of Indian students.

In its answer to the question by the MP, the MEA stated, "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."

"Indian Missions/Posts also 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," the statement read.
"With the view to ensuring effective communication and timely support, Indian students are encouraged to connect with the local Indian Missions/Posts through various means, including the MADAD Portal of this Ministry, WhatsApp Groups created specifically for Indian students, Consular Camps, Open Houses, emergency hotlines etc.," the statement read further.

"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. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) is utilised to support Indian nationals, including students, in times of distress and extend assistance when necessary," it added. 

The statement also said that during emergencies, the government has undertaken large-scale evacuation operations to protect and bring home Indian nationals, including students. Notable recent evacuation operations include Operation Devi Shakti (Afghanistan), Operation Ganga (Ukraine), Operation Kaveri (Sudan), Operation Ajay (Israel) and Operation Sindhu (Israel and Iran). 

(with ANI inputs)