Missing College Student in Dominican Republic May Have Drowned

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old college student from the University of Pittsburgh, went missing in the Dominican Republic after an early morning beach walk and is feared to have drowned. Friends reported her missing on March 6, and extensive search efforts are underway involving local authorities and the Indian Embassy. The search includes pleas from family and friends for assistance from the public.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old college student from the University of Pittsburgh, was reported missing after a beach walk during her spring break trip in the Dominican Republic. Konanki, who hails from Loudoun County, Virginia, was last seen on March 6 at Riu Republica Resort, according to local authorities and social media postings regarding her disappearance.

Initially, on March 5, she was accompanied by six peers; however, most returned to the hotel later that night. Only she and another individual remained on the beach, suggesting she may have drowned while swimming when a strong wave struck, as per reports from Dominican officials involved in the investigation.

Video surveillance from the area captured Konanki around 4:15 a.m. local time on March 6. The student was part of a group of female students from Pittsburgh and is also a citizen of India.

Search efforts started on March 8, with a resumption on March 9 utilizing drones and helicopters from the Dominican military. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with U.S. federal and state law enforcement and the Indian Embassy, which is actively engaged in the search efforts.

A friend of Konanki’s parents issued a plea for assistance, stating, “We need your help to get the word out! If you are in the area or can help with the search… please reach out.” They emphasized, “The more people who know, the better the chances we can bring her home safely.”

The missing student is described as approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes, and was last spotted in a brown bikini adorned with round earrings, an anklet, and numerous bracelets. Investigations include questioning her friends who were present at the time of her disappearance, though no charges have been filed against them. Authorities from multiple organizations including Dominican Republic National Police and the U.S. Embassy have not yet provided further comments regarding the search efforts.

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, is currently missing after her beach outing in the Dominican Republic. Authorities suspect she may have drowned while swimming. Search operations commenced swiftly, involving both local and federal agencies, while her friends have cooperated with police inquiries. The missing poster highlights urgent calls for public assistance as well as descriptions to aid in locating her. The situation remains grave, with ongoing efforts to ensure her safe return.

Original Source: people.com