Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, went missing in the Dominican Republic under mysterious circumstances. While some speculate drowning, her family urges consideration of abduction. The search efforts continue, involving local authorities and the Indian embassy, with a focus on uncovering further information about her disappearance.
Authorities are currently searching for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who went missing in the Dominican Republic on Thursday. While some officials speculate that she may have drowned, her community in Virginia insists that there is no evidence to substantiate this claim. Konanki was last seen walking on the beach at the Hotel Riu Republica around 5 a.m., shortly before her acquaintances reported her absence.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured six individuals leaving the beach around 6 a.m., and investigators have questioned a young man alleged to have remained with Konanki. Originally from India and residing in Loudoun County, Virginia, Konanki had traveled to Punta Cana for spring break as she prepares for her pre-med studies. Her father, Subbarayudu Konanki, stated that she informed friends of her intention to attend a party at the resort, with her friends later notifying authorities about her missing status.
Dominican officials have suggested that Konanki may have encountered difficulties while swimming, potentially swept away by a large wave. However, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Chad Quinn indicated that there is currently no evidence to back that theory. Sudiksha’s father has urged authorities to investigate other possibilities such as abduction, stating, “We don’t think she would be able to survive for more than three days in the water and I think something else might’ve happened to her.”
Thomas Julia, from the sheriff’s office, confirmed Konanki was one of six female Pitt students traveling together, two of whom reside in Loudoun County. Efforts regarding the investigation are being led by the Indian embassy in the Dominican Republic, with support from the U.S. State Department and local law enforcement. Additionally, the University of Pittsburgh has expressed its commitment to collaborating with Konanki’s family and local authorities to ensure her safe return.
The Hotel Riu Republica has voiced its concern regarding Konanki’s disappearance, stating, “From the moment this absence was reported we have been working closely with local authorities… to carry out a thorough search.” Konanki, who graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology with a focus on biological sciences in 2022, is the subject of ongoing investigations. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
The search for Sudiksha Konanki continues amidst speculation regarding her disappearance in the Dominican Republic. While some believe she may have drowned, significant doubt remains among her community and family, urging for investigations into other possibilities such as abduction. The collaboration among local authorities, the Indian embassy, and the University of Pittsburgh underscores the urgency and importance of finding her. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to assist in the inquiry to ensure her safe return.
Original Source: triblive.com
