NewKerala.com

Karnataka Seeks MEA Help as Indian Student Goes Missing in California

The Karnataka government has urgently sought the intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs to help locate Saketh Sreenivasaiah, an Indian student missing from Berkeley, California. Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh wrote to MEA Secretary Vikram Misri, requesting coordination with the Indian Consulate and local police. The student has been missing since the morning of February 12, 2026, and a formal complaint is already with the Berkeley Police Department. His family in Karnataka has appealed for all possible assistance to find him.

Key Points: Indian Student Missing in California, Karnataka Seeks MEA Help

  • Student missing in Berkeley since Feb 12
  • Karnataka govt writes to MEA for urgent help
  • Formal complaint lodged with Berkeley Police
  • Family appeals for assistance from Indian authorities
2 min read

K'taka govt seeks MEA help as student goes missing in California

Karnataka govt requests MEA intervention to locate Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a student missing from UC Berkeley since Feb 12, 2026.

"Given the gravity of the situation and the mounting anxiety of his family... I request your intervention and support. - Shalini Rajneesh"

Bengaluru, Feb 14

The Karnataka government has sought the intervention of the Centre in connection with the case of a student from the state who has gone missing in California, US.

Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh has written to Vikram Misri, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), requesting urgent assistance, the Chief Minister's Office said on Saturday.

In her letter, Shalini Rajneesh said: "I am writing to bring to your urgent attention the distressing case of a young Indian student, Mr Saketh Sreenivasaiah, who has been reported missing in Berkeley, California, USA, since the morning of February 12, 2026."

"Mr Saketh is currently enrolled in a Master of Science programme at the University of California, Berkeley. According to information received from his family and housemates, his whereabouts remain unknown despite a formal complaint being lodged with the Berkeley Police Department (Case No. 26-6726)," she said.

"Given the gravity of the situation and the mounting anxiety of his family residing in our state, I request your intervention and support. It is requested that the Ministry of External Affairs, through the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, extend all necessary assistance, including coordination with local law enforcement and facilitation of support to the family," she added.

Earlier, the student's family had approached the Karnataka government seeking assistance in locating him.

His father, Sreenivasiah, said that Saketh had gone missing from Berkeley and that his housemate had searched all known locations before filing a formal complaint with the police.

"Saketh is currently pursuing his Master of Science degree at the University of California. He has been missing since the morning of February 12, 2026. His housemate searched all known places and, after confirming that he was not traceable, lodged a complaint at the Berkeley Police Department. The police are actively investigating, but his whereabouts remain unknown," he said.

He appealed to Indian authorities to assist in locating his son and provide support to the family during the difficult time.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the Karnataka government stepping in quickly. The MEA and our consulate in San Francisco have a good track record in such cases. Hope they can coordinate effectively with the US police and find him safe and sound soon.
D
David E
As someone living in the Bay Area, Berkeley can be a tricky place. The police there are usually responsive, but having the Indian consulate's weight behind the search will definitely help. Hope he's found quickly.
A
Aditya G
While I appreciate the government's response, this highlights a bigger issue. We need better pre-departure orientation and safety protocols for our students going abroad. They are often vulnerable and unaware of local risks.
S
Sarah B
The timeline is concerning—missing since the 12th and it's now the 14th. Every hour counts in these situations. I hope the local Indian student community in Berkeley is also mobilizing to help in the search.
K
Karthik V
Heart goes out to the family. Can't imagine what they must be going through. Hope the authorities work on war footing. Jai Hind.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50