Authorities in the Dominican Republic are searching for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student missing since last week. Captured on surveillance, she was last seen at a hotel beach during a Spring Break trip. Investigations suggest she may have drowned, but her family urges inquiries into potential foul play. The search involves aerial and maritime efforts supported by multiple agencies.
The Dominican authorities are conducting an extensive search for a missing 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, Sudiksha Konanki, who vanished during her Spring Break trip to Punta Cana. Konanki, from Virginia, was last recorded on security footage at the Riu República Hotel around 4:15 a.m. on Thursday with seven others, but her friends left the beach without her shortly thereafter.
Local police sources report that Konanki remained on the beach with a young man while five other women and one man departed, with the man returning alone later in the morning without her. Investigations indicate Konanki may have drowned after being caught in a wave while swimming. Authorities are interrogating the man to gather more details about the situation.
In a statement, Konanki’s father described her as a promising medical career aspirant and expressed his desire for authorities to explore all potential explanations for her disappearance, including the possibility of kidnapping. The search, initiated by La Altagracia Civil Defense, involves land, sea, and aerial efforts, utilizing drones and helicopters in various locations.
The Riu Hotels chain expressed their concern and committed to cooperating with local authorities to assist in the search. The University of Pittsburgh is also engaged in the efforts and has encouraged anyone with information regarding Konanki’s whereabouts to contact local law enforcement.
Loudoun County Sheriff Michael Chapman confirmed coordination with Dominican authorities while the FBI listed its readiness to support the investigation. Konanki, who holds Indian citizenship, has family ties to the U.S. since 2006, and the Indian Embassy in the Dominican Republic is collaborating with local officials.
In summary, Sudiksha Konanki’s mysterious disappearance has prompted extensive search efforts by Dominican authorities, with the involvement of multiple agencies including the FBI and the University of Pittsburgh. Despite initial indications of drowning, her family is advocating for a broader investigation into her fate, reflecting their concerns for her safety. The international cooperation underscores the serious nature of this case as her loved ones await answers.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
