Authorities in the Dominican Republic are conducting an extensive search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who disappeared during a spring break trip in Punta Cana. Konanki was last seen in the early hours of March 6 near the beach of the Riu Republica Resort, where she was vacationing with friends.
Konanki, originally from Chantilly, Virginia, was part of a group of six women on vacation. According to reports, she was last observed around 4:00 a.m. on March 6 at a beach party with her friends and other individuals they met at the resort. While her friends returned to their rooms, Konanki did not, prompting them to report her missing to hotel authorities later that day.
Dominican authorities have launched a comprehensive search operation, utilizing drones, helicopters, and detection dogs to scour the area surrounding the resort. The investigation includes interviews with resort staff and guests, analysis of surveillance footage, and reviews of phone records. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Homeland Security Investigations are collaborating with Dominican law enforcement in the search efforts.
Konanki’s family has expressed concerns about the circumstances of her disappearance. Her father, Subbarayudu Konanki, flew to Punta Cana with his wife and family friends to assist in the search and has urged authorities to consider all possibilities, including kidnapping or foul play. He noted that his daughter’s personal belongings, such as her phone and wallet, were left with her friends, which he described as unusual behavior for her.
The University of Pittsburgh is in contact with Konanki’s family and is offering support during this challenging time. The Indian Embassy in the Dominican Republic is also involved in the search efforts, as Konanki is an Indian national. Authorities continue to investigate all leads, and the search operation remains active.
Sources:
- Father of missing US student Sudiksha Konanki asks for wider investigation in Dominican Republic
- College Student, 20, Missing in Dominican Republic Thought to Have Drowned on Early Morning Beach Walk: Report
- Haunting security footage shows missing Sudiksha Konanki, 20, in last movements before vanishing on spring break trip
- Haunting photo shows missing Pitt student smiling in same bikini she was wearing when she vanished from Dominican Republic beach
- Search underway for Sudiksha Konanki, the University of Pittsburgh student who disappeared during Dominican Republic spring break trip
