SAN FRANCISCO, February 15 (ANI): The body of a University of California, Berkeley student from Karnataka who had been reported missing a day earlier has been recovered by local authorities, officials said.
The student, identified as Saketh Sreenivasaiah, was found deceased after a search effort that involved local law enforcement and the Consulate General of India in San Francisco.
In a post on X, the Consulate General said, “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 Consulate said it is in direct contact with the family and will provide all necessary assistance, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of the remains to India.
“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,” the post said.
A day earlier, the Consulate had expressed concern over the disappearance of the postgraduate student and said it was working with local authorities to locate him.
“The Consulate General of India in San Francisco is 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 is also in contact with the concerned local authorities to locate the student,” it said in an earlier post.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of death. Police are continuing their investigation.
Concerns over the safety of Indian students abroad have been raised in the past, including allegations of discrimination, racist attacks, and negligence by authorities.
In response to a question raised by Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha regarding student safety overseas, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) outlined measures taken to ensure the well-being of Indian students abroad.
“The Government accords high priority to the safety and security of Indian students abroad and monitors incidents of violence against them. Violent and untoward incidents are immediately taken up by Indian Missions/Posts abroad with the concerned authorities of the host country to ensure proper investigation and that perpetrators are punished,” the MEA said in its reply.
The ministry said Indian Missions and Posts maintain regular contact with students enrolled in foreign universities and conduct orientation sessions upon their arrival to brief them on potential challenges and precautions. Advisories are also issued from time to time.
To ensure effective communication and timely support, students are encouraged to connect with Indian Missions through platforms such as the MADAD portal, WhatsApp groups created specifically for students, consular camps, open houses, and emergency hotlines.
The MEA added that Missions and Posts remain vigilant, particularly in countries facing political instability or economic crises. Incidents affecting Indian students are promptly raised with host governments to ensure safety and redressal. Consular assistance, including emergency medical support and temporary accommodation, is provided when required, with financial assistance extended through the Indian Community Welfare Fund in cases of distress.
During major crises, the Government of India has carried out evacuation operations to bring back Indian nationals, including students. Recent efforts have included Operation Devi Shakti in Afghanistan, Operation Ganga in Ukraine, Operation Kaveri in Sudan, and Operation Ajay and Operation Sindhu in Israel and Iran.
The government said these initiatives underscore its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad. (ANI)
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