Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, has been missing since March 6 during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic. U.S. investigators identified a person of interest, though Dominican authorities have yet to confirm this. The investigation remains ongoing, with no signs of violence found at the beach where she disappeared.
U.S. investigators have identified a person of interest in the case of Sudiksha Konanki, a missing University of Pittsburgh student who disappeared during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic. The spokesperson for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia confirmed this update. Although they are not directly involved in the investigation, detectives from the sheriff’s office have been dispatched to assist with the U.S. side of the ongoing inquiry.
Currently, Dominican authorities have not acknowledged whether this individual is recognized as a person of interest in their own investigation. Thomas Julia, a representative of the sheriff’s office, clarified, “This is not the same thing as a suspect, as this is not a criminal matter. It is still a missing person case.”
The identified person was interrogated extensively, as stated by Thomas Julia. The FBI National Press Office has informed that they continue to collaborate with international agencies regarding the matter, redirecting inquiries to Dominican authorities for detailed information.
Sudiksha Konanki, 20, traveled to Punta Cana on March 3 with five college friends. Reports indicate she vanished shortly after 4:15 a.m. on March 6, after being seen on security footage entering the beach area of the Riu Republica Resort. Following her disappearance, her friends returned to the hotel but realized she was missing about twelve hours later and notified hotel staff.
Dominican President Luis Abinader mentioned in a news briefing that one of the last individuals to interact with Konanki indicated that a wave hit them while on the beach, leading to a potential incident. Nevertheless, National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira emphasized that no evidence of blood or signs of violence have been discovered at the beach.
The investigation into the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki continues, with a person of interest identified by U.S. authorities. Despite clarifications that this does not indicate a criminal investigation, the collaboration between U.S. and Dominican authorities aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding her case. As of now, no traces of violence have been found, leaving her family and friends searching for answers.
Original Source: www.nbcnews.com
