Pramesh S Jain
The Karnataka government has formally sought the intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)in tracing a Bengaluru student reported missing in the United States.
Mr.Saketh Sreenivasiah,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,Berkeley.
According to his family,a missing person complaint has been registered with the Berkeley Police Department (Case No: 26-6726).
Despite active investigation by local authorities,his whereabouts remain unknown.
In a letter dated February 13, 2026,Karnataka Chief Secretary,Dr.Shalini Rajneesh,IAS,wrote to Vikram Misri, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs,Government of India,seeking urgent intervention in the matter.
The Chief Secretary 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.
The request comes following a representation submitted by,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.
On Saturday,The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has confirmed that it is actively coordinating with local authorities in the United States in connection with the disappearance of Bengaluru student Saketh Sreenivasiah in Berkeley,California.
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.
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.
