Investigation Underway for Missing University of Pittsburgh Student Sudiksha Konanki

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, was reported missing in the Dominican Republic, where her clothing was found on a beach. Investigations involve U.S. and Dominican authorities, including the FBI, examining various leads. Conflicting accounts from the last person to see her are under scrutiny, while her father urges attention to all possible scenarios, including kidnapping.

The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh who went missing while vacationing in the Dominican Republic, continues as her clothing was found on a beach where she was last seen. Investigators from both the United States and the Dominican Republic are involved, examining surveillance footage, phone records, and interviewing individuals who were with her during her spring break in Punta Cana. The FBI has also joined the search efforts.

Konanki was reportedly seen shortly before 5 a.m. on Thursday at the Hotel Riu Republica. According to a statement from Defensa Civil, the local search and rescue team, she was last observed walking on the beach prior to her disappearance. A sarong-style cover-up belonging to her was located on a lounge chair, with no indications of violence reported by law enforcement officials.

Authorities are questioning a man in his twenties who claims to have been the last person to see Konanki. Although he is not currently a suspect, his inconsistent statements regarding the circumstances of her disappearance are being scrutinized. He mentioned that they entered the ocean together, but after feeling ill, he exited the water and fell asleep on a chair. He provided conflicting accounts of her movements during that time.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is aiding the investigation and has sought a worldwide police alert for Konanki’s case through INTERPOL. While some officials have suggested she may have drowned, her father is urging authorities to also consider other scenarios such as kidnapping or abduction.

Thomas Julia, director of communications for the Sheriff’s Office, emphasized that the search has primarily focused on the waters surrounding Punta Cana, which had a red flag warning indicating dangerous conditions on the day of Konanki’s disappearance. He noted that that area has experienced both drownings and crimes, affirming that no potential circumstances surrounding this case have been ruled out.

The ongoing search for Sudiksha Konanki reflects a complex investigation involving local and international authorities, who are exploring multiple theories regarding her disappearance. The discovery of her clothing on the beach raises further questions, and the focus remains on determining her whereabouts amidst various possibilities, including accidental drowning and abduction. Efforts continue as investigators pursue leads to provide answers for her family and the community.

Original Source: triblive.com