Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh pre-med student, has been missing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic since March 5. Local authorities suspect accidental drowning, but her family disputes this theory. A comprehensive search is ongoing, assisted by various law enforcement agencies. The family has raised concerns of potential crime and is actively seeking help through social media.
The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old pre-med student at the University of Pittsburgh, who went missing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, continues. She was on spring break with five friends when she vanished. The local police suspect accidental drowning; however, her family questions this assertion, as her body should have surfaced by now if that were the case.
Authorities have noted that surveillance footage captured Konanki with six others on March 5. At approximately 4:15 AM on Friday, she was reportedly seen swimming with one person, after which her friends returned to their accommodations; this was the last confirmed sighting of her. Her father indicated that Konanki and her companions met some individuals from the resort before heading to the beach around 4:00 AM.
An extensive search operation has been underway, utilizing helicopters, boats, and on-foot searches initiated after her friends alerted authorities about her disappearance at 4:00 PM Thursday. DR officials have interviewed the friends and the last person who was with Konanki. Her clothes were discovered on a portable bed, and initial investigations did not reveal evidence of foul play.
Despite the local authorities’ belief in an accidental drowning, her parents have filed a complaint to escalate the search efforts, citing concerns over the potential for a crime, including kidnapping. Assistance has been mobilized from various agencies, including the FBI and DEA, while support continues to flow from her local community and the Indian Embassy.
Konanki’s parents have traveled to Punta Cana to engage directly in the search, while her family and friends utilize social media campaigns to raise awareness and solicit public support in their efforts to locate her.
Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance during her spring break in the Dominican Republic has raised significant concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding her vanishing. While local authorities attribute the case to accidental drowning, her family remains skeptical and is advocating for a more in-depth investigation due to potential criminal implications. The search continues, supported by international agencies, as public efforts to locate her intensify.
Original Source: newsindiatimes.com
