The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a missing University of Pittsburgh student, continues in the Dominican Republic after she disappeared on March 6. Authorities are utilizing extensive resources including drones and divers. Her family is advocating for thorough investigations while concerns grow about potential foul play.
The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who disappeared during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic, has entered its fourth day as of Monday. She was last seen entering the beach at the RIU hotel in Punta Cana during the early hours of March 6, after arriving with five college friends on March 3.
Dominican National Police initiated a comprehensive search operation employing drones, helicopters, divers, boats, and canine units after her friends reported her missing on Friday morning. Surveillance footage indicates she disappeared around 4:15 a.m. after her friends returned to the hotel without her.
The hotel expressed deep concern regarding her disappearance, stating, “From the moment her absence was reported, we have been working closely with the local authorities.” In light of the situation, the hotel established internal communication channels among its Punta Cana locations to facilitate information sharing.
Konanki’s family resides in Virginia, and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office reported her disappearance at the request of her father. He expressed urgency for a broader investigation into possible kidnapping or abduction, declaring, “It’s four days, and if she was in water, she would likely have been strewn to shore.”
While authorities are reviewing security camera footage and cellphone data for clues, the nature of her disappearance remains unclear. There is consideration of both accidental and foul play scenarios, as stated by sheriff’s office spokesperson Thomas Julia, “It runs the gamut from something accidental to foul play. It is all at this point under consideration.”
The University of Pittsburgh is providing support to Konanki’s family during this difficult time. Meanwhile, Konanki, a biology major and member of the South Asian fusion a cappella group Avaaz, has garnered interest from local representatives for assistance. Virginia Rep. Suhas Subramanyam expressed his commitment to utilizing every available resource to locate her, stating, “We are all praying for her safe and immediate return home.”
In conclusion, the ongoing search for Sudiksha Konanki highlights the urgency and concern surrounding her mysterious disappearance while on vacation in the Dominican Republic. With law enforcement agencies on high alert and multiple investigative avenues being explored, the hopes of her family and friends remain strong as they seek her return. Collaborative efforts between local authorities, the U.S. State Department, and community members underline the significance of this case.
Original Source: www.nbcchicago.com
