FBI Joins Search for Missing US Student in Dominican Republic

The FBI is assisting in the search for Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student missing since March 6, 2025, in Punta Cana. Dominican authorities are re-interviewing witnesses, while President Abinader emphasizes tourist safety. Konanki’s family has arrived in the Dominican Republic to aid in efforts to find her.

The FBI has initiated a search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh, who has been missing since March 6 while on spring break in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Dominican authorities stated that they are re-interviewing individuals who were present when she disappeared from a beach near the Riu República Hotel.

According to hotel officials, Konanki’s disappearance occurred during a power outage that resulted in numerous guests heading to the beach where she was last seen. Dominican President Luis Abinader expressed his concern during a recent press meeting, emphasizing the ongoing search efforts by various government agencies.

He mentioned that the latest reports from witnesses indicated that a wave crashed into the group while they were at the beach. While addressing the media, President Abinader reaffirmed the safety of tourists, noting that the Dominican Republic hosts over 11 million visitors annually with few incidents reported.

Sudiksha’s parents have traveled to Punta Cana, seeking to broaden the investigation into her disappearance after she vacationed with five other female students starting on March 3. Konanki, originally from India, is a U.S. permanent resident residing in Chantilly, Virginia, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

The search for Sudiksha Konanki is ongoing, with the FBI involved in efforts to locate the missing student. Authorities are re-interviewing witnesses while President Abinader assures the public of tourist safety in the Dominican Republic. The family of the missing student is actively seeking updates as they continue their efforts in Punta Cana. This situation highlights the concern for missing individuals in tourist destinations and the cooperation between local and federal authorities in such cases.

Original Source: www.clickorlando.com