Authorities are currently continuing their search for Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who has been missing since a spring break trip with her college friends in the Dominican Republic. International agencies have been actively involved in the search efforts since Konanki vanished on March 6. Here is what is known about the case:
Who is Sudiksha Konanki?
Konanki, a 20-year-old junior majoring in biology at the University of Pittsburgh, is an Indian citizen and a permanent U.S. resident residing in Chantilly, Virginia. She traveled to Punta Cana from Pittsburgh on March 3 with five female friends for their spring break vacation. Konanki is also a member of the South Asian fusion a cappella group Avaaz at her college.
Last Known Whereabouts:
Konanki was last seen in the early hours of March 6 after spending time at the beach with friends. She stayed behind with individuals she had met on the trip after her friends left the beach. Security footage captured Konanki and her friends entering the beach area at the Riu Republica Resort in the Dominican Republic.
Investigation Details:
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation, with the Dominican police, the Dominican attorney general’s office, the FBI, and a U.S. Embassy liaison leading the efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard is also assisting in the search. While a person of interest has been identified and interviewed extensively, it is important to note that this is still a missing person case and not a criminal matter. National Police in the Dominican Republic have clarified that no one is currently considered a suspect in the investigation.
The search for Sudiksha Konanki continues, with her friends postponing their return to the U.S. to assist in the efforts. Multiple resources, including drones, helicopters, divers, boats, and canine units, have been utilized in the search operation. Beach access at the resort remains open, with security personnel stationed in the vicinity.
The University of Pittsburgh has been in contact with Konanki’s family and is providing support in the investigation of her disappearance in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The Indian Embassy in the Dominican Republic is also assisting in the investigation, according to Chapman. Konanki’s family had traveled to Punta Cana to help with search efforts but had returned to Virginia by Thursday and declined to comment on the search progress. La Altagracia Civil Defense, the local Dominican emergency operations agency, shared photos of multiple agencies conducting search operations on the beach over the weekend, with the hotel also aiding in the efforts. Authorities are uncertain if Konanki’s disappearance was accidental or involved foul play, as no evidence of violence was found at the beach, stated Pesqueira. The National Police monitored the beach overnight to observe water movements and potential drift patterns in case of drowning incidents. A hotel representative mentioned that red flags were raised due to strong currents and high waves when Konanki went missing. Dominican authorities announced that the search was transitioning from the Riu Republic Resort to Macao Beach, where interviews were being conducted with Konanki’s friends, last interactions, and beachgoers at the time. Investigations include examining Konanki’s phone records and texts for further insights, shared by Chapman, the Loudoun County sheriff, who noted no history of excessive drinking. The sheriff’s office has requested Interpol to issue a yellow notice for a missing person alert. Chapman emphasized the ongoing efforts to exhaust all leads in the search, operating on the presumption that Konanki is still alive.
