Details Emerge in the Search for Missing University of Pittsburgh Student Sudiksha Konanki
Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, went missing in the Dominican Republic during spring break. Her clothing was found on a beach, with indications suggesting she may have drowned. The investigation is treated as an accident, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Security footage and eyewitness accounts are being examined to determine the events leading to her disappearance.
Authorities have discovered the clothing of Sudiksha Konanki, a missing University of Pittsburgh student, on a beach in the Dominican Republic, near the last reported sighting of her swimming. Konanki, a 20-year-old legal permanent resident of the United States and an Indian citizen, disappeared early Thursday while on a spring break trip with friends to a Punta Cana resort.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, Konanki’s clothes were located on a portable beach bed near the beach where she was last seen. There has been no evidence of violence linked to her disappearance. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office stated that Konanki and her companion, who is also from Loudoun County, had gone to a nightclub before visiting the beach at approximately 4 a.m. on Thursday.
Reports indicate that Konanki stayed behind with a male acquaintance on the beach, who claimed that they had gone for a swim when they were unexpectedly swelled by a large wave. The man reported to law enforcement that he later vomited and fell asleep on the beach bed, only to find Konanki missing upon waking. Security footage shows the man returning to his hotel at around 9:55 a.m., but he is not currently a suspect according to authorities.
Officials have classified the ongoing investigation as an accident, with indications suggesting that Konanki may have drowned. The Dominican authorities have expanded their search area across beaches and waters to aid in locating her, with three officials hinting that she could have drowned.
The Public Ministry of the Dominican Republic confirmed that the last footage of Konanki was recorded around 4:15 a.m. on Thursday, shortly before she went missing. The U.S. Embassy reported her disappearance to Dominican authorities the following day. Friends present during this time have cooperated with police inquiries and have not faced charges.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Embassy, Dominican National Police, and the Dominican Prosecutor’s Office, are collectively investigating the case. They intend to follow up with all involved parties, including hotel staff and the man who was present with Konanki prior to her disappearance. Additionally, they are reviewing all relevant security footage from the time of her arrival on the island.
In summary, the search for Sudiksha Konanki continues in the Dominican Republic following the discovery of her clothing on the beach where she was last seen. The inquiry is currently being investigated as an accident without evidence of foul play. Joint efforts from U.S. and Dominican authorities aim to clarify the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, as the search efforts remain actively ongoing.
Original Source: digital.abcaudio.com
