Search Underway for Missing University Student in Dominican Republic
Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, is missing in Punta Cana. Authorities are conducting a comprehensive search, suspecting drowning and examining possibilities of foul play. Her disappearance has drawn international support in the investigation, involving local police and the FBI.
The Dominican Republic is currently searching for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh who went missing during spring break in Punta Cana. Konanki was last recorded on surveillance entering the beach at the Riu República Hotel around 4:15 a.m. on Thursday, alongside seven others. She arrived in the Dominican Republic on March 3 with five fellow students.
According to authorities, at 5:55 a.m. the camera captured six individuals departing the beach, leaving Konanki alone with a young man. The man was later seen exiting the beach area at 9:55 a.m., but there was no sign of Konanki. ABC News reported that her disappearance is suspected to be associated with drowning caused by a large wave.
Police have interviewed the man who was with Konanki to uncover details about their last moments together. Investigations are ongoing, focusing on verifying his account and questioning others who were present at the beach. Konanki’s father expressed concerns that additional factors, such as kidnapping or human trafficking, should be investigated, stating, “We do not think she would be able to survive for more than three days in the water, and I think something else might have happened to her.”
Search operations began on Friday, involving overflights and marine searches conducted by a variety of emergency response teams with technological support from drones and canine units. Authorities announced their commitment to an extensive search over land and water while continuing efforts actively through the weekend.
The Riu Hotels chain has expressed deep concern over the incident, ensuring cooperation with local authorities during the search. A spokesperson from the University of Pittsburgh has also encouraged anyone with information to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation has received backing from the FBI and the Indian Embassy in the Dominican Republic, further emphasizing the collaborative effort to locate Konanki.
Konanki holds dual citizenship in India and the United States and has lived as a permanent resident in the U.S. since 2006. The search for her is ongoing, amidst a call for increased awareness of safety concerns in tourist locations such as Punta Cana, especially following reports of other incidents involving tourists.
The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki in Punta Cana has prompted extensive search efforts by local and international authorities. With concerns raised about potential foul play, investigations are ongoing to establish her whereabouts while highlighting the need for greater tourist safety measures. The coordinated response underscores the collaborative efforts of the FBI, local police, and embassy officials in addressing this troubling situation.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
