Family of Missing Student Sudiksha Konanki Seeks Legal Declaration of Death
The family of Sudiksha Konanki, a missing student from the University of Pittsburgh, has requested the Dominican police to declare her legally dead. They cite the lack of evidence for foul play and express the need for closure. Konanki was reported missing after a night out during a spring break trip, with extensive searches yielding no remains.
The family of Sudiksha Konanki, an Indian-origin student from the University of Pittsburgh, has formally requested that Dominican Republic authorities declare her legally dead, following her disappearance. In their letter to the police, they pointed out the absence of evidence suggesting foul play, with officials expressing the belief that she drowned based on the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
In their appeal for closure, the family referenced the findings of Dominican authorities. They noted that clothing belonging to Konanki was found on a beach close to the last known sighting of her. The letter highlighted the family’s understanding of necessary legal procedures to initiate the declaration and their readiness to fulfill any required formalities. This step is intended to facilitate the grieving process for her family and to honor Konanki’s memory.
Konanki was reported missing on March 6th, after being at the RIU Hotel & Resort in Punta Cana for spring break with friends. Surveillance footage showed her walking with Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old college student, near the beach. The group had largely returned to the hotel, leaving her alone with Riibe. Reports indicate she had been staying at the resort with five friends, and there were warnings of strong currents on the beach that night.
Riibe, the individual last seen with Konanki, claimed that they entered the water and were caught by a large wave. Despite his attempts to help her, he stated that he lost sight of her and assumed she had left the water. The Dominican Republic has conducted an extensive search operation, deploying drones and divers; however, no remains have been located thus far. Some personal belongings, believed to be Konanki’s, were recovered from the beach, with investigators noting no signs of disturbance around her items.
The tragic case of Sudiksha Konanki highlights the profound impact of her disappearance on her family, who are seeking a legal declaration of death to aid in their grieving process. Despite extensive search efforts by authorities, no concrete evidence of her whereabouts has been found. The family has expressed hope that this legal step may provide some closure amidst their heartbreaking loss.
Original Source: english.mathrubhumi.com
