Father of Missing Student Sudiksha Konanki Calls for Expanded Investigation

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old university student, went missing in Punta Cana during spring break. Her father has requested authorities to broaden the inquiry into her disappearance, considering possibilities like kidnapping. The search involves drones and detection dogs, and her belongings were left behind, raising further concerns. The investigation is supported by local officials and the University of Pittsburgh.

The father of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student at the University of Pittsburgh who went missing during a spring break trip to Punta Cana, has called for a broader investigation into her disappearance. Konanki was last seen at a beach near her resort before dawn on March 6, as confirmed by Civil Defense officials. Her father, Subbarayudu Konanki, expressed concern over the circumstances of her absence, advocating for an investigation into potential kidnapping or abduction due to the lack of evidence of drowning.

Authorities are employing drones, helicopters, and detection dogs in the search effort, scouring the waters off the eastern coast of the island. Jensen Sánchez, a spokesman for Civil Defense, stated that there is an ongoing investigation into the account provided by a companion who claimed that Sudiksha was swept away by waves. He added that bodies can take more than a week to surface in warm waters, complicating the search.

Upon learning of her disappearance, Sudiksha’s parents traveled to Punta Cana, where they lodged a formal complaint requesting that the investigation be expanded. The complaint details that her personal items, including her phone and wallet, were left with friends, which her father described as unusual behavior.

Sudiksha Konanki is an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of the United States, residing in Chantilly, Virginia. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with federal officials and university representatives to support the ongoing investigation conducted by the Dominican National Police. The University of Pittsburgh has also reached out to the family, underlining their commitment to assist in the search for their student.

Sudiksha traveled to the Dominican Republic on March 3 with five other female students, seeking a pleasant spring break. As her father noted, “She wanted to have a nice break with her friends in Punta Cana.”

This situation underscores the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki. With calls for exploration into various possibilities, including foul play, and support from her university and local authorities, the family remains hopeful for a resolution. The case serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safety while traveling, particularly in unfamiliar environments.

Original Source: www.bostonherald.com