FBI Joins Search for Missing US Student in Dominican Republic

The FBI has joined the search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh, who went missing in Punta Cana during spring break. Local authorities are re-interviewing witnesses while President Abinader expressed concern for her case. Konanki’s family has traveled to the Dominican Republic to assist in the investigation.

The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh who disappeared during spring break in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has been intensified with the FBI’s involvement. According to local police, they are re-interviewing individuals who were in her company prior to her disappearance on March 6, which occurred at a beach near the Riu República Hotel. The hotel indicated that her disappearance occurred around the time of a power outage, which led many guests to congregate at the beach.

Dominican President Luis Abinader expressed his concerns regarding the situation during a recent press briefing. He stated that various government agencies are actively engaged in the search efforts, revealing that the last reported contact with Konanki involved an incident with a wave on the beach. Despite the circumstances, President Abinader affirmed the safety of tourists visiting the Dominican Republic, highlighting that the country welcomes over 11 million visitors annually and noting that significant issues are uncommon.

In light of her disappearance, Konanki’s parents traveled to Punta Cana, urging authorities to expand their investigation. Her father reported that she had traveled to the Dominican Republic alongside five female university peers on March 3. Sudiksha Konanki was identified as an Indian citizen and a U.S. permanent resident hailing from Chantilly, Virginia.

The ongoing search for Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic underscores the involvement of both local and federal authorities. President Abinader reassured the public of the safety of tourists despite the incident and highlighted the governmental support in the search. The appearance of her parents and the request for an expanded investigation reflect the family’s concern and engagement in seeking answers regarding Konanki’s disappearance.

Original Source: www.clickorlando.com