Investigation Expansion into Sudiksha Konanki’s Disappearance in Dominican Republic
Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student missing in the Dominican Republic, has had her clothing discovered on a beach. Authorities are investigating her disappearance, focusing on a young man last seen with her and examining the possibility of drowning. Various agencies are involved in search efforts, while the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office continues to gather information.
The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who went missing in the Dominican Republic, has revealed new developments. On Tuesday, two police sources confirmed to ABC News that her clothing was discovered on a portable beach bed located near the area where she vanished. Konanki was last observed entering the beach at the five-star Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana early Thursday morning, according to La Policia Nacional, the national police force of the country.
Prior to her disappearance, it was reported that Konanki was with a group of six female students from Pitt and was seen walking along the beach that evening. Three Dominican officials mentioned that while most of the group returned to the hotel, one friend remained with Konanki into the early hours of March 6. Investigative reports highlight that Dominican police are examining claims made by a young man who was seen in the water with Konanki.
The young man claimed he experienced rough surf, which made him feel ill and forced him to return to shore, leaving Konanki in the water. In another recounting, he stated that after leaving her in knee-deep water, he passed out on the beach and later saw her walking before losing consciousness. Security footage reportedly captured the young man returning to his hotel room just before 10 a.m., shedding light on his actions before the disappearance.
On Sunday night, Dominican officials expressed concerns that Konanki may have drowned; however, the last known individual with her is not considered a suspect. Authorities have indicated that there is currently no evidence suggesting foul play in her case. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office noted that all possibilities must be evaluated, and U.S. law enforcement is diligently pursuing every angle.
The hotel where Konanki stayed provided assurance of its cooperation with law enforcement, activating emergency protocols to facilitate further searches. Various agencies, including the Dominican Republic Civil Defense and the national police, are now involved in the extensive search efforts. Additionally, a Yellow Notice has been issued by INTERPOL concerning her disappearance.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares stated that his office is in the information-gathering phase, noting that all of Konanki’s friends have been accounted for. He expressed empathy for her family, emphasizing a collective hope for her safe return. Konanki is a legal permanent resident in the United States originally from India and is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes, last seen wearing a brown bikini and several accessories.
The ongoing search for Sudiksha Konanki has revealed critical developments, including the discovery of her clothing near the beach. While authorities continue to investigate her disappearance, various agencies are collaborating on search efforts. There is ongoing tension between hopes for finding Konanki safely and concerns about potential drowning. The investigation remains active as law enforcement scrutinizes all evidence and testimonies.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
