Search Underway for Missing U.S. Student Sudiksha Konanki in Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki, a university student of Indian origin, went missing during her vacation in the Dominican Republic. She was last seen on March 6 at 4:15 a.m. at the Riu Republica Hotel beach. The University of Pittsburgh and local authorities are collaborating in the ongoing search, which includes questioning individuals last seen with her.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-origin student at the University of Pittsburgh, was last seen on the beach of the Riu Republica Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, early Thursday morning, March 6. Official reports indicate she was spotted shortly before dawn at approximately 4:15 a.m. local time, while friends reported her missing around 4 p.m. that same day, nearly 12 hours later.

Surveillance footage taken near the beach captured Sudiksha with a group of young adults prior to her disappearance. Dominican authorities are actively questioning those who were last seen with her, including a young man who entered the water, to aid in the maritime search efforts. Meanwhile, a missing person notice describes her physical appearance and attire at the time of her disappearance.

The University of Pittsburgh is collaborating with local authorities and Sudiksha’s family in Virginia to facilitate search efforts. University spokesperson Jared Stonesifer stated, “University officials are in contact with Sudiksha Konanki’s family as well as authorities in Loudoun County, Virginia, and we have offered our full support in their efforts to find her and bring her home safely.”

Defensa Civil, the Dominican Republic’s search and rescue team, initiated the search for Konanki on Saturday, with plans to continue their efforts into the following days. Sudiksha, along with five other students from her university, was staying at the Riu Republica Resort during her trip.

The Loudoun County sheriff’s office has coordinated with the U.S. State Department and federal law enforcement agencies to support the search. The Indian Embassy in the Dominican Republic is also engaged, providing assistance in coordination with local authorities.

The ongoing search for Sudiksha Konanki highlights the collaboration between educational institutions, local authorities, and international embassies in missing person cases. Sudiksha was last seen early on March 6 at a Dominican resort, and search efforts are actively ongoing. The involvement of the University of Pittsburgh, local law enforcement, and the Indian Embassy demonstrates a united front in the pursuit of her safe return.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com