Father of Missing US Student Sudiksha Konanki Calls for Broader Investigation
The father of Sudiksha Konanki, a missing University of Pittsburgh student in Punta Cana, has requested an expanded investigation into her disappearance, emphasizing concerns over possible kidnapping. Sudiksha was last seen at a beach on March 6, and search efforts are ongoing, including sea operations due to drowning assumptions. Her belongings were left with friends, prompting further scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding her case.
Subbarayudu Konanki, the father of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who went missing during a spring break trip in Punta Cana, has urged authorities to broaden their search efforts. Sudiksha was last seen at a beach near her resort before dawn on March 6, confirmed by officials from the Civil Defense.
Her father expressed concerns, stating, “It’s four days, and if she was in water, she would likely have been strewn to shore.” He added that given the circumstances, it is crucial to explore all possibilities, including kidnapping or abduction. Authorities have deployed drones, helicopters, and detection dogs to search the waters where she was last seen, as stated by Civil Defense spokesman Jensen Sánchez.
Sánchez indicated that the search focuses on the ocean due to the assumption of drowning, a narrative supported by a boy with Sudiksha who claimed strong waves swept her away. He cautioned that in warm waters, it might take over a week for a body to surface.
Upon learning of their daughter’s disappearance, Subbarayudu and his wife Sreedevi traveled to Punta Cana, accompanied by family friends. They formally requested a more extensive investigation into the case on March 6, highlighting that Sudiksha left her phone and wallet with friends—an unusual behavior for her, as she typically retained her phone.
In his request, Subbarayudu emphasized, “I respectfully request that the authorities take immediate steps to investigate not only the possibility of an accidental drowning, but also the possibility of a kidnapping or foul play.” Sudiksha, a citizen of India and a permanent U.S. resident from Chantilly, Virginia, is being supported in the search efforts by local authorities, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, and the University of Pittsburgh.
The university is in direct contact with the Konanki family and local authorities, providing support during this troubling time. Sudiksha traveled to the Dominican Republic with five other female university students on March 3, with her father noting, “She wanted to have a nice break with her friends in Punta Cana.”
The situation surrounding Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance raises significant concerns regarding her safety. Her father is advocating for a thorough investigation that encompasses not only the possibility of accidental drowning but also the potential for foul play. Multiple agencies are involved in the search, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of the situation. The community and university remain vigilant, hoping for her safe return.
Original Source: www.bostonherald.com
