UC Berkeley student from Karnataka goes missing; Police issue ‘at-risk’ alert

A 22-year-old Indian-origin student from Karnataka, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, has been reported missing in Berkeley, California, prompting an at-risk alert from local authorities and expressions of concern from Indian officials in the United States.

The Berkeley Police Department (BPD) said Sreenivasaiah was last seen on February 9. While initial police communication noted he had been seen in the 1700 block of Dwight Way, subsequent updates and posts shared by acquaintances indicated he may also have been last spotted near Lake Anza in the Berkeley hills.

Authorities have classified him as an “at-risk missing person,” though they have not publicly disclosed specific details about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

According to the BPD’s description, Sreenivasaiah is an Indian male, approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing about 160 pounds (73 kg). He has short black hair and brown eyes. Police have urged members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating him.

The Berkeley Police Department is actively seeking assistance from the community. In similar cases, “at-risk” classifications are typically used when there is concern for the individual’s safety due to medical, mental health, or other vulnerability factors, though officials have not specified the basis for the designation in this instance.

The Consulate General of India in San Francisco has acknowledged the case and said it is coordinating with both the family and local authorities.

In a statement shared on social media, the consulate said it is “deeply concerned about the disappearance of Saketh Sreenivasaiah,” adding that it remains in touch with his relatives and is working with officials in California to support search efforts.

Sreenivasaiah is currently enrolled as a master’s student in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department at the University of California, Berkeley.

His academic background has drawn attention in India, as he completed a BTech in Chemical Engineering from IIT Madras in 2025. His LinkedIn profile describes him as part of the MS PDP’26 programme at UC Berkeley.

Appeals for information have also circulated on professional networking platforms. Sreenivasaiah’s roommate, Baneet Singh, posted a message on LinkedIn requesting help from contacts in and around Berkeley.

“My roommate, Saketh Sreenivasaiah, has been missing since Monday, the 9th, last seen near Lake Anza in the Berkeley hills,” Singh wrote, asking anyone with relevant information to reach out as he works “desperately” with the police department.

Friends and well-wishers have since amplified the message, sharing Sreenivasaiah’s description and last known locations across social media channels.

The case has resonated strongly within student communities, particularly among Indian students in the Bay Area, where concerns about safety and well-being abroad often generate swift responses.

As of now, authorities have not indicated any evidence of foul play, nor have they released further details about investigative leads. Police have reiterated that even seemingly minor information, such as sightings or interactions around the time he was last seen, could prove crucial.

Anyone with information about Saketh Sreenivasaiah’s whereabouts is advised to contact the Berkeley Police Department or local emergency services. Indian nationals seeking assistance may also reach out to the Consulate General of India in San Francisco. The investigation remains ongoing.