Investigation Continues into Missing University Student in Dominican Republic
Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, went missing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on March 6 during a spring break trip. She was last seen near her hotel beach. The FBI and local authorities are now conducting the investigation, involving interviews and video analysis following a reported power outage around the time of her disappearance.
Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old junior at the University of Pittsburgh, disappeared in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on March 6 during a spring break trip with friends. The last sighting of Ms. Konanki was around 4:50 a.m. near her hotel beach, after visiting a nightclub the prior evening. The investigation has now involved the FBI, who are working alongside local authorities to locate her.
Konanki is an Indian citizen living in the U.S. as a permanent resident from Chantilly, Virginia. She traveled to Punta Cana on March 3 with five female friends for vacation. The group went to the Riu Republica Hotel beach early Thursday morning, but only Konanki remained after her friends returned to their hotel room, as captured by security footage.
Reports state that a man, who had met Konanki during the trip, accompanied her on the beach and told authorities they swam together before he fell asleep on a beach bed. Unfortunately, upon waking, he found Konanki missing. This incident coincided with a reported power outage that affected some hotel guests, leading them to the beach.
Following Konanki’s disappearance, her clothing was discovered near the beach, and preliminary police investigations found no evidence of foul play. At the time she was last seen, Ms. Konanki was adorned with distinct jewelry and attire that included earrings, bracelets, and a bikini.
The Dominican Republic authorities are spearheading the ongoing investigation, which now includes support from U.S. detectives and the FBI. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s office has actively engaged by sending personnel to assist in the search and has requested Interpol to issue a yellow notice for Ms. Konanki. To aid the investigation, forensic technicians are reviewing surveillance footage and hotel staff, as well as friends, are being interviewed.
In summary, the search for Sudiksha Konanki remains ongoing as authorities from both the Dominican Republic and the FBI collaborate on the case. The young college student’s sudden disappearance from the beach during a spring break vacation raises concerns about safety in tourist areas. The investigation continues to explore leads while family and friends await answers about her whereabouts.
Original Source: www.deseret.com
