Investigation Continues for Missing Pitt Student in Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, is missing in Punta Cana. A man last seen with her is a person of interest but not a suspect. The FBI has joined the investigation, and authorities are re-interviewing witnesses. Konanki is believed to have drowned based on police reports. The President of the Dominican Republic expressed concern for her well-being.

In the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki from the University of Pittsburgh, authorities have identified a person of interest who was last seen with her in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office stated that the man is not considered a suspect at this stage, emphasizing that this is not currently viewed as a criminal inquiry. This individual is notable as he was possibly the last person to see Konanki before she went missing.

The engagement of the FBI in the investigation marks a significant development. Officials indicated that the person in question is a U.S. citizen vacationing in Punta Cana, not directly affiliated with Konanki’s travel group. Meanwhile, Dominican police are revisiting testimonies from witnesses who were present prior to her disappearance in the early hours of March 6 at a beach located near the Riu República Hotel.

It has been disclosed that Konanki is presumed to have perished by drowning, according to information provided by law enforcement. On the day she vanished, a power outage at the hotel coincided with several guests visiting the beach. Dominican President Luis Abinader expressed his concern about the incident, highlighting the efforts of government agencies in the search for Konanki.

Reports establish that Konanki was on the beach with a group after a night out at a nightclub when she encountered a significant wave while swimming with a man who remained on the beach. The last recorded sighting of her occurred on surveillance footage around 4:15 a.m. Her friends did not notice her absence until later that afternoon, prompting the U.S. embassy to be contacted the following day.

Discrepancies in timestamps from security footage were later identified, revealing that the last person seen with Konanki returned to his accommodation earlier than initially believed. While he is cooperating with law enforcement, officials have refrained from eliminating him as a suspect, pending further investigation. Additionally, her friends have been interviewed and are not facing charges.

President Abinader reassured the public about the safety of tourists in the Dominican Republic, which attracts over 11 million visitors annually, asserting that serious issues are uncommon. Law enforcement remains focused on uncovering further details regarding Konanki’s tragic incident, which has garnered significant media attention and public concern.

The investigation into the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki continues with the identification of a person of interest, although he is not currently a suspect. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation, including re-evaluating witness testimonies and security footage. The President of the Dominican Republic has reiterated the safety of tourists in the region amidst this tragic situation. As the search progresses, law enforcement remains dedicated to uncovering the circumstances surrounding Konanki’s disappearance.

Original Source: 6abc.com