Search Continues for Missing University of Pittsburgh Student…

In the ongoing search for missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki, U.S. investigators have identified a person of interest. However, they are not deemed a suspect in what remains a missing person case. The FBI and local authorities are collaborating as they investigate her disappearance during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic. Konanki was last seen on March 6, with her friends reporting her absence the following day.

U.S. investigators have identified a person of interest in the case of Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who went missing during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic. The announcement was made by a spokesperson for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, where the 20-year-old biology student resides. While the sheriff’s office does not hold jurisdiction in this investigation, it has sent detectives to Punta Cana to support U.S. efforts.

There is currently no confirmation from Dominican authorities regarding the status of the identified individual as a person of interest in their investigation. Officials from the National Police have directed inquiries to the local attorney general’s office. Thomas Julia, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, clarified, “This is not the same thing as a suspect, as this is not a criminal matter. It is still a missing person case.”

Efforts to gather more information about the case include interviews with the person of interest. The FBI National Press Office indicated it continues to provide assistance to Dominican authorities. Sudiksha Konanki, who traveled to Punta Cana with five friends on March 3, was last seen on March 6 after she and her friends entered the beach area of their resort, according to security footage.

Reports indicate that Konanki’s friends returned to their hotel approximately 40 minutes after she stayed back with acquaintances met during the trip. They noticed her absence roughly 12 hours later on Thursday morning and alerted the hotel, as per National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira.

Dominican President Luis Abinader mentioned in a news conference that one of the last individuals to be in contact with Konanki stated, “that a wave hit them while they were on the beach and caused some kind of situation.” No indications of violence or blood were found at the beach, according to Pesqueira.

In conclusion, the search for Sudiksha Konanki continues as investigations proceed into her disappearance. A person of interest has been identified; however, they are not considered a suspect at this time. The collaboration between U.S. and Dominican authorities is ongoing, with detectives actively engaged in the investigation. As the situation develops, further updates are anticipated regarding this concerning case.

Original Source: www.nbcnews.com