Authorities in the Dominican Republic have launched an extensive land, air, and sea search for 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who went missing while on a spring break trip in Punta Cana.
According to Dominican National Police, Konanki was last seen on March 6 at approximately 4:15 a.m.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured her and seven others heading to the beach at the Riu República Hotel after drinking in the hotel lobby.
Around 5:55 a.m., five women and one man were seen leaving the beach, leaving Konanki behind with another man. The man later left the area around 9:55 a.m., with no sign of Konanki.
Authorities believe Konanki may have drowned after being caught by a strong wave, but her family has raised concerns that she may have been kidnapped or become a victim of human trafficking.
Her father, Subbarayudu Konanki, stated:
“We don’t think she would be able to survive for more than three days in the water and I think something else might’ve happened to her.”
Local law enforcement, with assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, has been using drones, helicopters, search dogs, and rescue teams to scour the coastline and surrounding areas.
A sarong-style cover-up belonging to Konanki was found on a lounge chair near the beach, but no other physical evidence has been recovered.
Authorities have questioned a man believed to be the last person to see Konanki, though he is not currently considered a suspect.
Reports indicate he provided multiple versions of events, stating at different times that he and Konanki went swimming but he exited the water due to feeling sick, or that she may have been swept away by a wave.
The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Dominican Republic, urging American tourists to exercise increased caution due to concerns over violent crime. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies in Virginia, where Konanki’s family resides, and the Embassy of India are assisting with the investigation.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has also requested a Yellow Notice from Interpol to alert international authorities about Konanki’s disappearance.
The University of Pittsburgh has expressed support for the ongoing search efforts, urging anyone with relevant information to contact authorities. The Riu hotel chain, where Konanki was staying, has also stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Authorities are urging the public to refrain from speculation.
“There has been considerable public speculation about what may have happened to Konanki and who may be involved,” the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office stated. “We caution anyone from drawing any unsubstantiated conclusions and are committed to ensuring that a thorough investigation is conducted before any conclusions are reached.”
The search for Sudiksha Konanki remains ongoing as officials work to determine what happened in the early morning hours of March 6.
Her family, friends, and university community continue to hope for answers in her disappearance.
