U.S. Student Missing in Dominican Republic: Search Operations Underway

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, is missing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Last seen entering a beach at the Riu República Hotel, the search involves multiple agencies utilizing land, air, and water resources. Initial reports suggest possible drowning, while her family raises concerns about potential foul play. The investigation is ongoing with support from the U.S. and Indian authorities.

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have initiated a large-scale search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh, who went missing while on spring break in Punta Cana. She was last observed on a surveillance camera entering the beach at the Riu República Hotel around 4:15 a.m. on Thursday. Konanki arrived in the Dominican Republic on March 3 with fellow students and her disappearance was reported to police on Friday morning by the U.S. Embassy.

On the same day of her disappearance, surveillance footage indicated that Konanki remained at the beach with a young man after five women and one man left around 5:55 a.m. The man was last seen leaving the beach at 9:55 a.m. without Konanki. Initial reports by ABC News suggest that she may have drowned, as police believe a large wave may have caught them while swimming. Investigators are currently interviewing the man and others who were with Konanki to gain further insights.

Konanki’s father, Subbarayudu, expressed concerns about the thoroughness of the search efforts and suggested exploring other scenarios, including possible kidnapping or human trafficking, asserting that survival in the open water for more than three days seems unlikely. The La Altagracia Civil Defense organization commenced search operations on Friday, employing helicopters, divers, and drones to scour both land and water areas.

The search effort has involved a collaborative approach from various agencies, including the Dominican Navy and the National Police, with specialized drone technology being utilized to conduct comprehensive searches along the coast. Riu Hotels, the chain managing the hotel where Konanki was staying, has expressed deep concern over her disappearance and pledged cooperation with local authorities in the search.

The University of Pittsburgh has reached out for any information regarding Konanki’s whereabouts, providing support to her family and working in tandem with Loudoun County authorities. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, along with the FBI, has coordinated with Dominican officials as they lead the investigation into her disappearance. The Indian Embassy is also aiding local law enforcement in the inquiry, as Konanki is an Indian citizen who has resided in the U.S. since 2006.

Additionally, it is important to note that this event follows another incident involving a Canadian man who was assaulted at a Dominican Republic resort, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding safety at tourist locations in the region.

The search for Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic highlights significant concerns regarding her safety during her spring break. Despite extensive cooperation between various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Indian Embassy, questions persist regarding the circumstances of her disappearance. Increasing attention to measures will be crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of tourists in the region. Authorities remain committed to uncovering the truth and locating Konanki.

Original Source: globalnews.ca