Sudiksha Konanki: Search for Missing Indian-Origin Student in Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-origin U.S. student, was last seen on March 6 at the Riu Republica Hotel beach in Punta Cana. Search efforts are ongoing, with authorities reviewing video footage and interviewing her companions. The University of Pittsburgh and the Indian Embassy are providing support to her family and assisting in the search.
Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-origin student from the University of Pittsburgh, was last seen on March 6 at around 4:15 a.m. local time on the beach of the Riu Republica Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Her companions reported her missing approximately 12 hours later at 4 p.m. Information provided by the Dominican National Emergency System highlights the urgency of the search efforts for the student during her vacation with friends.
Authorities are utilizing surveillance footage which shows Konanki with a group of young adults before her disappearance. Investigators are questioning these individuals, including one young man who reportedly entered the water. As part of the maritime search strategy, local officials are working to corroborate his account through various investigative means.
A missing person notice characterizes Konanki as 5 feet 3 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a brown bikini, large round earrings, a designer ankle bracelet, and several bracelets on both wrists. The University of Pittsburgh is in active communication with her family and authorities in Virginia to assist in the search efforts.
The Dominican Republic’s Defensa Civil initiated search operations for Konanki on the following Saturday, continuing into Sunday morning. She was on vacation at the Riu Republica Resort accompanied by five fellow female students. The Loudoun County sheriff’s office has been engaged, coordinating with federal law enforcement and the U.S. State Department to address the situation.
Furthermore, the Embassy of India announced its collaboration with U.S. authorities to facilitate support for Konanki’s family during this distressing time, underlining their commitment to aiding in the search and rescue process.
The search for Sudiksha Konanki continues amid coordinated efforts between local authorities, her family, and the university. Surveillance footage and witness statements might be pivotal in locating her. The involvement of the Embassy of India emphasizes international support in this critical situation, showcasing a unified response from different agencies to ensure her safe return.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com