Parents of Missing Student Seek Legal Declaration of Death for Closure

Sudiksha Konanki’s parents seek a legal declaration of death to gain closure following her disappearance in the Dominican Republic. Despite no body being found, authorities suspect accidental drowning and are investigating the case. The legal process is complex, requiring approval in the Dominican Republic. The family faces difficulties in settling financial affairs without a death certificate.

The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a missing Indian student, wish to have her declared legally dead to find closure, as stated by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia. This action is intended to support the grieving parents’ request for Dominican authorities to recognize their daughter’s presumed accidental drowning. The ultimate decision on this matter lies with the Dominican authorities.

Sudiksha Konanki disappeared on March 6 while at Punta Cana beach, and her body has yet to be discovered. The Konanki family expressed in a letter that initiating the legal process would aid them in grieving and resolving related affairs. Investigators suspect drowning but have found no criminal evidence, urging a legal declaration of her death.

Sheriff Mike Chapman reiterated that Ms. Konanki’s drowning has not been confirmed officially, keeping the case active while Dominican authorities continue their investigation. Legal experts indicate that declaring someone dead without a body in the Dominican Republic is a complicated process requiring special congressional approval.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the family in this difficult process and has offered judicial support if needed. Attorney Phillip DiLucente suggested that the family’s request stems from a parental desire to honor their child with respect. A legal death declaration would facilitate the resolution of financial matters, including college savings and insurance policies.

In a poignant interview, Ms. Konanki’s father expressed the family’s sorrow, stating, “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we are coming to terms with the fact that our daughter has drowned.” Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, had arrived in Punta Cana with friends shortly before her disappearance. Details suggest she was last seen at the beach with a group that included Joshua Riibe, a person of interest in the case.

Authorities have retained Mr. Riibe’s passport as part of their investigation. He was interviewed extensively but remains uncharged, maintaining that he attempted to rescue Ms. Konanki after they were both knocked down by a wave. He criticized the treatment he received during the investigation. Both U.S. and Dominican authorities have classified the case as missing persons rather than a criminal issue, with investigations ongoing.

The tragic case of Sudiksha Konanki highlights the complexities surrounding a legal declaration of death in the absence of a body. Her parents seek closure through this process while grappling with their loss. Investigations continue in both the Dominican Republic and the U.S., where the family awaits the resolution of financial matters tied to this heart-wrenching situation. The ambiguity surrounding her disappearance underscores the emotional toll on her family as they navigate this challenging journey.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com