Authorities are intensifying search efforts for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who has been missing since March 6 while on holiday in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Nearly a week after her disappearance, specific details regarding the incident remain elusive.
The Dominican Republic’s National Police have established a high-level commission to investigate alongside the FBI and the US Embassy. The local President, Luis Abinader, noted that while the search is currently being treated as an accident, the operation involves extensive searches both at sea and on land. He assured that all necessary government resources are being deployed and mentioned the country’s reputation as a safe tourist destination.
Konanki was on a spring break trip with five friends. Surveillance footage showed her along with her group heading to the beach early on the morning of March 6. However, only part of the group returned shortly after, and Konanki was unaccounted for. Witnesses reported that she stayed behind with a male companion, who later disclosed feeling unwell and falling asleep on a lounge chair, while Konanki allegedly entered the ocean. Authorities are examining his statements and have been interviewing him as a person of interest, though he is not currently a suspect.
The circumstances surrounding her disappearance appear suspicious, especially with her belongings left behind and no obvious signs of violence. As the official investigation continues, Konanki’s family has raised concerns of potential kidnapping or trafficking and are urging local authorities to widen the scope of their inquiry.
An extensive search operation, which includes dogs, drones, and helicopters, has yet to yield significant findings, as her family worries and hopes for her safe return. Community members in her hometown are rallying for her search, while her parents have travelled to the Dominican Republic to assist with the investigation.
With the investigation still unfolding, law enforcement remains cautious, highlighting the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki.