Investigation Underway as Student Goes Missing from Dominican Republic Resort
Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, vanished while vacationing at RIU Republica Resort amid significant power outages. The hotel has denied connections between the outage and her disappearance, while guests express safety concerns. The investigation, involving local and federal authorities, seeks information on her whereabouts.
Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, went missing from the RIU Republica Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, where she was vacationing. She was last seen around 4 a.m. on March 6, while walking on the beach following a significant power outage at the resort. Power was restored just hours before her disappearance, leading to speculation about possible connections between the two events, which RIU Hotels has denied.
The Dominican Republic is under a Level 2 travel advisory, with frequent power outages reportedly lasting over ten hours in certain areas. RIU Hotels expressed regret over the power failure, emphasizing their commitment to guest well-being and announcing a compensation policy for affected customers. In the wake of Konanki’s disappearance, local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the case.
Witness reports indicate that Konanki was seen with a young man shortly before vanishing. Guests at the resort have voiced concerns regarding safety and the prior lack of power and water services. Customer reviews highlight issues similar to those experienced by Konanki, with some describing their stays as problematic due to outages.
Guests experienced significant discomfort due to the power outages, including a lack of air conditioning and Wi-Fi access. One visitor, D’Lani Sweeney, shared her experience, noting how the outages affected everyone’s ability to relax and communicate. She described the beach at night as pitch black, heightening dangers for anyone walking there.
In related accounts, previous guests at RIU resorts reported unsettling experiences, including unwanted attention from men. Authorities, including the FBI and regional law enforcement, are engaged in the ongoing search for Konanki, urging anyone with information to come forward. The investigation includes reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses in hopes of locating the missing student and providing closure for her family.
The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki raises serious concerns about safety at the RIU Republica Resort amid troubling reports of power outages. Despite RIU Hotels’ statement distancing themselves from the incident, many guests remain apprehensive about their experiences at the resort. The ongoing investigation aims to resolve the mystery surrounding her disappearance, with authorities encouraging public assistance.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
