Family of Missing Student Sudiksha Konanki Requests Legal Declaration of Death
Sudiksha Konanki’s family has requested Dominican authorities to legally declare her dead due to the belief that she drowned, following a lack of evidence for foul play. Her disappearance on March 6 has led to one of the Dominican Republic’s most extensive search operations, though no remains have been found. The family hopes this declaration will facilitate their grieving process.
The family of Sudiksha Konanki, a student of Indian origin at the University of Pittsburgh, has formally requested the Dominican Republic police to declare her legally dead. This decision comes after authorities concluded, based on insufficient evidence of foul play, that she is believed to have drowned. The family emphasized that initiating the legal declaration process would help them begin their grieving journey and manage affairs related to her absence.
In their letter to the police, the family noted the extensive search efforts by Dominican authorities. They pointed out that Sudiksha’s clothes were found on a beach close to where she was last seen, and the individual last seen with her, Joshua Riibe, is cooperating with investigators. Furthermore, the letter expressed that, despite their grief, this legal step could provide closure for the family and allow them to honor her memory appropriately.
Sudiksha Konanki was reported missing on March 6 by her friends while vacationing at the RIU Hotel & Resort in Punta Cana. Surveillance footage captured her with Riibe, a fellow college student, shortly before she vanished. They were seen walking together and briefly holding hands. After an evening of drinking, most of the group returned to the hotel, leaving Sudiksha alone on the beach with Riibe.
The conditions on the beach at that time were hazardous, with red flags warning of strong currents. Riibe reported that they entered the water and were struck by a large wave. He claimed that, while he struggled to stay afloat, he lost sight of Sudiksha and assumed she had returned to shore. Despite significant search efforts involving drones and divers, authorities found no remains of Sudiksha. However, they did recover some personal items, including a sarong and flip-flops that are believed to belong to her, but these showed no signs of disturbance.
In light of the circumstances surrounding Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance, her family has sought a legal declaration of death as a means to initiate their grieving process. The ongoing investigation highlights the need for closure amidst uncertainties, as the community grapples with the unfortunate incident involving a promising young individual. The Dominican authorities continue their search efforts, yet no remains have been discovered thus far, emphasizing the tragedy of the situation.
Original Source: english.mathrubhumi.com
