Search Underway for Missing U.S. Tourist in Dominican Republic
Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh, went missing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Authorities are conducting extensive search efforts, including aerial and maritime inquiries. Concerns about her safety have led to questions regarding possible kidnapping. The FBI and local law enforcement agencies are collaborating on the investigation.
Authorities in the Dominican Republic are actively engaged in search and rescue operations for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh. She was last seen at the Riu República Hotel in Punta Cana around 4:15 a.m. on March 6, entering the beach with seven others. Her disappearance was reported by the U.S. Embassy the following day after her friends noticed her absence.
Surveillance footage captured Konanki with five women and one young man on the beach; however, she appears to have stayed behind as the others returned. The individual with her was last seen leaving the beach around 9:55 a.m. Later reports indicated that authorities believe she might have drowned due to a large wave incident.
Konanki’s father, Subbarayudu, expressed concerns regarding the ongoing investigation, suggesting that local authorities should also explore other possibilities, such as kidnapping. He emphasized that he believes his daughter could not survive in the water for an extended period, prompting worries regarding her safety.
The search efforts commenced on March 7, utilizing a range of resources including aerial drones, helicopters, and canine units. Various local organizations, including the Civil Defense and the Tourism Police, are coordinating these extensive search operations along beaches and surrounding areas.
The Riu Hotels chain has communicated their distress over the situation and stated their commitment to assisting local authorities in the search. Similarly, a spokesperson from the University of Pittsburgh has urged anyone with information to provide assistance in locating Konanki.
The FBI is remaining on standby to assist Dominican authorities if requested, as the investigation continues with cooperation from various law enforcement agencies including the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Indian Embassy in the Dominican Republic. This tragic case follows another serious incident involving a Canadian man at a different resort in Punta Cana, underscoring concerns around safety in the region.
The ongoing search for Sudiksha Konanki highlights the urgent need for thorough investigations in such cases of disappearance, especially in tourist locations. With multiple agencies involved and the cooperation of both U.S. and Dominican authorities, it is crucial to ensure a comprehensive approach toward resolving this matter while addressing safety concerns for future visitors.
Original Source: globalnews.ca
