Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, is missing in the Dominican Republic, believed to have drowned after a spring break incident. Surveillance footage captured her last seen moments on the beach at Riu Republica Resort. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of her disappearance while seeking information from the public.
A twenty-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh, Sudiksha Konanki, is presumed to have drowned in the Dominican Republic during a spring break trip. Konanki was part of a group of six students traveling to the Caribbean. She was last observed on beach surveillance footage at approximately 4:50 AM outside the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana, wearing a bikini.
Investigation reports from Dominican authorities state that she was seen walking on the beach with her peers the night prior to her disappearance. A portion of the group returned to their accommodations; however, one individual remained with Konanki, and they later attempted to swim, reportedly encountering a significant wave. Yet, an official from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Thomas Julia, emphasized the lack of evidence to definitively claim that she drowned.
Julia noted that the investigation encompasses various possibilities, including accidental drowning and foul play, with interviews and video analysis still ongoing. Authorities have also conducted discussions with Konanki’s friends to pinpoint search areas in the maritime vicinity. Subsequently, friends alerted law enforcement when she failed to return to her room on Thursday morning.
Konanki is described as a dedicated pre-med student scheduled to graduate in 2026. Her father commented on her ambition, stating, “My daughter is a very nice girl. She’s ambitious; she wanted to pursue a career in medicine.” The US State Department and the Indian embassy are collaborating on the inquiry due to her citizenship and residency status.
Furthermore, University of Pittsburgh officials are providing support to Konanki’s family and engaging with law enforcement. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Reports preceding this incident highlighted a level two travel advisory for the Dominican Republic, cautioning travelers regarding violent crimes and advising vigilance during their stay.
Sudiksha Konanki, a pre-med student at the University of Pittsburgh, is missing under suspicious circumstances in the Dominican Republic after a spring break trip. Though presumed drowned following a misadventure at the beach, the investigation continues to explore all possibilities, including the potential for foul play. The collaboration between the U.S. State Department and the Indian embassy illustrates the seriousness of the situation, while calls for public assistance in the investigation underscore the urgent need to locate Konanki.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
