Missing Bengaluru student in US: CS seeks MEA intervention

The Karnataka government has sought the intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in tracing a Bengaluru student reported missing in the United States.

Saketh Sreenivasiah, 22, a resident of Srigandada Kaval in Bengaluru, has been missing in Berkeley, California, since the morning of February 12, 2026. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree at the University of California. According to his family, a missing person complaint has been registered with the Berkeley Police Department.

On Saturday, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco confirmed that it is actively coordinating with local authorities in the U.S. in connection with the disappearance Saketh.

In an official communication dated February 14, 2026, Yashovardhan Singh Thakur, Assistant Section Officer (Community Affairs), Consulate General of India, stated that the mission is in constant touch with the family of Saketh, his roommate, and the Berkeley Police Department.

Laptop, bag found

According to the update, police have recovered Saketh’s laptop, bag, and passport near the Anza Lake area in Berkeley. Authorities are currently conducting a search operation in and around the lake.

The consulate has assured the family that it is extending all possible assistance and is regularly seeking updates from local law enforcement agencies. Officials have also spoken to Saketh’s father, Sreenivasiah, his brother Sudhamshu, and his roommate Baneet Singh regarding developments in the case. Further updates are awaited as search operations continue.

Earlier, in a letter dated February 13, 2026, and addressed to Vikram Misri, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh had sought urgent intervention on the matter.

The Chief Secretary had requested that the Ministry of External Affairs, through the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, coordinate with local law enforcement agencies in the United States and extend all necessary assistance to trace the missing student and support his family.

Family’s request

The request came following a representation submitted by Mr. Sreenivasaiah, Saketh’s father, who appealed to the Karnataka Chief Minister for assistance in locating his son. The family has urged authorities to act swiftly as anxiety mounts over the young student’s safety.

Mr. Sreenivasaiah told presspersons, “We still haven’t been able to locate him. We are in touch with his roommates and others. We have written to the government seeking support and assistance to find our son.”

(With PTI inputs)