Ongoing Search for Missing University Student in Dominican Republic
The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student missing in the Dominican Republic since March 6, has entered its fourth day with extensive search operations underway. Her family is concerned, and authorities, alongside her friends, are investigating potential causes of her disappearance.
The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student missing during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic, has now entered its fourth day. Originally from Virginia, she was last seen on March 6, early in the morning, as she entered the beach at the RIU hotel in Punta Cana, where she was staying with friends.
Konanki and her five college friends arrived in the Dominican Republic on March 3. After she was reported missing on Friday morning, Dominican authorities initiated an extensive search operation utilizing sea, air, and land resources, including drones, helicopters, divers, boats, and canine units.
According to police, Konanki was seen on video surveillance entering the beach area around 4:15 AM with her friends, who later returned to the hotel without her. Authorities proceeded to interview her friends as well as a local man who was present on the beach during the same time to verify his account of events.
The RIU Hotels expressed deep concern for the missing guest, stating, “From the moment her absence was reported, we have been working closely with the local authorities… to conduct a thorough search.” Additionally, the hotel has provided an internal communication channel for its employees across Punta Cana to report any relevant information.
The local Civil Defense agency has disseminated images of multiple agencies working together in the search efforts over the weekend. Konanki’s family in Virginia contacted local authorities to report her missing, as confirmed by Sheriff Michael Chapman from Loudoun County.
Konanki’s father has publicly called for a broad investigation, noting, “It’s four days, and if she was in water, she would likely have been strewn to shore.” He urged investigators to consider possibilities such as kidnapping or abduction. Authorities confirmed that they are reviewing security footage and analyzing cellphone data to trace her last movements.
Collaboration between U.S. authorities and the Dominican Republic is ongoing. Although the FBI stated it remains available to assist, the investigation is currently being led by Dominican officials. Konanki’s friends have postponed their return to the U.S. to assist in search efforts, but the nature of her disappearance remains uncertain, as authorities are considering all possibilities from accidental circumstances to foul play.
As a biology major and member of the University of Pittsburgh’s a cappella group Avaaz, Konanki is remembered by many. Virginia Representative Suhas Subramanyam has reached out to aid her family in the search, emphasizing his commitment to leveraging all possible resources to ensure her safe return.
The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a missing University of Pittsburgh student, continues with multiple agencies involved in efforts across the Dominican Republic. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are being thoroughly investigated, balancing theories of both accidental disappearance and foul play. The support from both her family in Virginia and local authorities shows a collaborative effort striving for her safe return.
Original Source: www.nbcchicago.com
