U.S. College Student Sudiksha Konanki Missing in Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, vanished on March 6 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, while on vacation with friends. She was last seen at around 4:50 a.m. near Riu Republica Hotel’s beach. The FBI has joined the investigation, and extensive search efforts are ongoing as authorities inquire into the situation.

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh junior, went missing on March 6 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, during a spring break trip with friends. She was last seen on the beach around 4:50 a.m., following a night out at a nightclub. The FBI has initiated an investigation, sending detectives to assist local authorities with the case.

Before her disappearance, Ms. Konanki had traveled to Punta Cana on March 3 with five friends. She is 20 years old, an Indian national, and a permanent U.S. resident residing in Chantilly, Virginia. Her last known location was the beach of Riu Republica Hotel, where she and her friends spent time after leaving a club on Wednesday night.

Konanki’s friends returned to their hotel shortly after arriving at the beach, leaving her behind with a man she had met on the trip. This man reported to police that he swam with Konanki and subsequently fell asleep on the beach. Upon waking, he discovered she was missing. Security footage captured him walking back to his hotel around 8:55 a.m.

Authorities have not uncovered any indications of violence surrounding her disappearance. At the time of her last sighting, Konanki was adorned with distinctive jewelry and attire. While a power outage led many guests to the beach that night, her belongings were found nearby.

The investigation emphasized cooperation between Dominican and U.S. authorities. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s office from Konanki’s home region sent detectives for assistance, and Interpol has issued a yellow notice for her case. Ongoing efforts include interviews with hotel staff and forensic review of security footage leading up to her disappearance, underscoring the seriousness of the search.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student, remains missing following her spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The investigation, now involving the FBI and U.S. detectives, is looking into various leads including hotel surveillance and interviews with witnesses. Search efforts continue as authorities strive to locate her and clarify the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

Original Source: www.deseret.com