Complications Arise in Investigation of Missing American College Student
Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student, was last seen on March 6 on a beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. A power outage at the RIU Republica Resort complicates the investigation, although security cameras reportedly functioned. A fellow tourist is labeled a person of interest, and authorities are relying on cellphone data and tower records to provide clues about her movements leading up to her disappearance.
Authorities are facing complications in the investigation of missing college student Sudiksha Konanki due to a power outage at the resort where she was last seen. The 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student disappeared on March 6 while on a spring break vacation in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and has yet to be found.
Konanki was last observed walking on the beach outside the RIU Republica Resort around 4:50 a.m. on March 6 after spending time at a hotel bar. While the resort experienced a power outage starting March 4 at 1:30 a.m., power was fully restored by the morning of March 6. RIU Resorts & Hotels asserted that the power failure is unrelated to Konanki’s disappearance and security cameras remained operational throughout the outage.
Despite the claims from the resort, experts have expressed concerns regarding the implications of the power outage on the investigative process. Former Secret Service agent Michael Verden noted, “It does have an impact on everything in the investigation if they’ve lost complete power,” underscoring the potential unavailability of crucial camera footage.
Authorities have identified a fellow tourist as a person of interest, being the last individual to be seen with Konanki. This American man, who has not been charged with any wrongdoing, may provide key information on her last known whereabouts. Cellphone tower data could also play a role in tracking her movements before she vanished, despite the blackout that impacted the resort.
Digital forensic expert Tom Slovenski emphasized that investigators can still access cellphone data to determine where and when Konanki was present prior to her disappearance. He stressed the importance of obtaining call detail records from her phone, which could aid in establishing a timeline for her movements that evening. Furthermore, even with power disruptions, agents can retrieve timing advance records from cellphone towers to trace the phone’s activity.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) cautioned against speculative conclusions concerning Konanki’s case, promising a comprehensive investigation and urging anyone with information to come forward. They expressed hope for the student’s safe return and reaffirmed their support for her family during this difficult time.
The search for Sudiksha Konanki highlights significant challenges faced by authorities following a power outage at her hotel. The situation underscores the crucial role of both surveillance footage and cellphone data in unfolding the timeline of her disappearance. Law enforcement continues to seek public assistance while maintaining a commitment to thorough investigation protocols in pursuit of clarity and resolution for Konanki’s loved ones.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
