Search Continues for Missing Pitt Student in Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, has been missing in the Dominican Republic since Thursday. While some officials believe she may have drowned, her father urges investigations into other possibilities, including kidnapping. The Indian embassy and local authorities are working together in the search efforts, with the University providing support to her family.

Authorities are conducting a search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh who has been missing since Thursday in the Dominican Republic. Last seen at approximately 5 a.m. at the Hotel Riu Republica in Punta Cana, she was reportedly walking on the beach. While some officials believe she may have drowned, there has not yet been any evidence to confirm this theory.

Surveillance footage indicated that six individuals left the beach shortly after Konanki was last seen. Authorities are investigating a young man believed to have remained with her during this time. A resident of Loudoun County, Virginia, originally from India, Konanki was in Punta Cana for spring break before starting her pre-med studies.

Konanki’s father, Subbarayudu Konanki, has expressed concerns regarding potential kidnapping or human trafficking, urging that these possibilities should be investigated alongside the drowning theory. He stated, “They’re only looking in the water, but I want them to also investigate other possibilities.”

Thomas Julia from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Konanki was one of six female students traveling together and that the Indian embassy in the Dominican Republic is leading the investigation with U.S. support. The University of Pittsburgh has also pledged full support to the Konanki family during this distressing time.

The Hotel Riu Republica has been cooperating with local authorities, committing to thorough searches since Konanki’s disappearance was reported. According to her LinkedIn profile, she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in 2022 with a diploma in biological sciences, recognized as one of the top high schools in the nation.

Anyone with relevant information on Sudiksha Konanki’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-1021.

The search for Sudiksha Konanki continues as officials explore various theories regarding her disappearance. While drowning is a considered possibility, her family is urging investigations into other scenarios, including potential kidnapping. The joint efforts by local authorities, the Indian embassy, and the University of Pittsburgh illustrate the community’s commitment to bringing her home safely. Those with information are encouraged to reach out to law enforcement.

Original Source: triblive.com