Parents of Missing Student Seek Legal Declaration of Death for Closure

Sudiksha Konanki’s parents seek a legal declaration of her death to find closure after she went missing from Punta Cana on March 6. Authorities believe she drowned, but her body has not been recovered. The declaration process is complicated in the Dominican Republic, requiring approval from higher authorities. The family is navigating emotional and legal challenges in the wake of their loss.

The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a missing Indian student, are seeking a legal declaration of her death to achieve closure. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office stated that this aligns with the wishes of the grieving family, who believe their daughter drowned in the Dominican Republic on March 6. The final ruling on this matter is in the hands of Dominican authorities, as her body has not been recovered since her disappearance.

The Konanki family has expressed that initiating this legal process would support their grieving and help them address necessary matters. Although investigators suspect drowning without evidence of foul play, the case remains open and unconfirmed. Current Dominican law states that this declaration is complex and necessitates special approval.

Attorney Julio Cury explained that formal approval from Congress or the president is needed for such a declaration. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is offering help to the family as they navigate possible judicial actions. Legal expert Phillip DiLucente emphasized that parents typically pursue such declarations to honor their deceased child and seek closure in a respectful manner.

Additionally, a legal declaration would facilitate settling financial matters related to college savings and insurance policies, which currently hang in uncertainty. In a poignant interview, Ms. Konanki’s father conveyed their profound sadness, stating, “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we are coming to terms with the fact that our daughter has drowned. This is incredibly difficult for us to process.”

Sudiksha, a University of Pittsburgh student, traveled to the Dominican Republic on March 3 with her friends. Surveillance footage captured her at a hotel bar before heading to the beach with a group that included a person of interest, Joshua Riibe. All but Ms. Konanki returned from the beach after their visit.

Authorities have confiscated Mr. Riibe’s passport as he was the last known person with Ms. Konanki. After hours of questioning, he has not been placed under suspicion, though he reported a failed rescue attempt. After his release, his passport remains with authorities pending further investigation, which both U.S. and Dominican representatives categorize as a missing persons case, not a criminal one.

The circumstances surrounding Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance have led her parents to seek a legal declaration of her death to find closure amid ongoing investigations. Despite their grief, they face legal complexities in the Dominican Republic regarding this process. Their pursuit reflects deep parental love and the necessity to resolve unfinished financial affairs. As the investigation continues into the events of March 6, the family remains in a challenging position without confirmation of their daughter’s fate.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com