Family of 22-year-old Saketh Sreenivasaiah awaits official confirmation after death in US

Family of 22-year-old Indian student Saketh Sreenivasaiah awaits official confirmation after he is declared dead following four days of being missing

Father of 22-year-old Saketh Sreenivasaiah, who went missing on February 9 and was later confirmed dead by the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, says he has not received any official confirmation yet, according to a TOI report.

Three days after he was reported missing from Berkeley, California, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco confirmed the death of 22-year-old Saketh Sreenivasaiah through a post on X on February 15. The post stated that local authorities had recovered his body and consular officers were in contact with the family to assist with formalities and repatriation.

Saketh’s father, Sreenivasaiah, told TOI that as of Sunday evening, he had not received any official communication from the Ministry of External Affairs, the US Embassy, or the Karnataka government. “Without asking us to confirm, how can we believe the post on X,” he said. He added that the last message he had received from the Consulate General on February 14 was a WhatsApp note stating they were trying to locate his son.

In a post on X at 5:12 am on February 15, the Consulate General of India said: "The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police confirmed the recovery of the body of Saketh.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this profoundly difficult time. The Consulate stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains to India at the earliest. Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services," the Consulate General of India added.