In a swift move amid rising panic, the Karnataka government has appealed to India’s Foreign Ministry for immediate action regarding a state resident missing in the US. Saketh Srinivasaiah, a promising MSc student at UC Berkeley, disappeared under mysterious circumstances, prompting Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh to write to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
The alert was sounded after Saketh went off the radar on February 12, 2024. His family, piecing together details from his live-in companion, confirmed a police report was filed promptly, yet no trace has emerged. This has left loved ones in Bengaluru on tenterhooks.
Rajneesh’s letter paints a detailed picture: the 22-year-old’s academic pursuits, the exhaustive roommate-led searches, and the Berkeley PD’s ongoing probe. She pressed for the San Francisco Consulate to bridge gaps with American authorities, ensuring comprehensive assistance.
Prior to this, Saketh’s father had beseeched state leaders for aid. ‘My son was thriving in his studies; we need all hands on deck,’ he shared, detailing the roommate’s futile hunts across potential spots. Police activity is ramped up, but results remain elusive.
This case spotlights vulnerabilities faced by Indian students overseas. Karnataka’s intervention sets a precedent, blending state diligence with national diplomacy. As the MEA gears up, families nationwide watch closely, praying for a positive resolution.
The government’s commitment extends beyond rhetoric—continuous updates to the family signal a no-stone-unturned approach. Berkeley’s streets hold clues, and with bilateral cooperation, hope lingers for Saketh’s safe return.