Investigation Ongoing for Missing US College Student in Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, is missing in the Dominican Republic after her clothing was found on a beach. Initial investigations suggest an accidental drowning, with authorities expanding search efforts. A joint investigation by the FBI and local authorities is ongoing, with a focus on gathering more evidence from witnesses and security cameras.

In a developing story, authorities have confirmed that the clothing of Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student missing during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic, was located on a beach near the site where she was last seen. The 20-year-old, who holds legal permanent residency in the United States and is originally from India, disappeared early Thursday morning while at a resort in Punta Cana. Konanki was traveling with a group of students, some of whom reside in Loudoun County, Virginia.

The missing student’s clothing was found on a portable beach bed close to the shore. Initial investigations have revealed no signs of violence, indicating that the circumstances surrounding her disappearance may lean towards an accident. After enjoying a night at a nightclub, Konanki and her companions went to the beach around 4 a.m. on Thursday. Others from the group returned to their hotel around 5:55 a.m., captured on security cameras as they entered their accommodations.

A male companion remained on the beach with Konanki, according to a police report from the Dominican Republic. The man alleged that they went swimming but were overwhelmed by a large wave. After returning to the beach, he reportedly vomited and lost consciousness; upon waking, he found Konanki missing. Security footage showed the man returning to his hotel at 9:55 a.m., but he is not currently considered a suspect in the case, as indicated by the head of the Dominican Republic’s Civil Defense.

The investigation is being treated as an accident, with officials expanding the search area along local beaches and waters. Three investigators suggested that Konanki may have drowned. The last confirmed sighting of her was on security footage at approximately 4:15 a.m. on Thursday. The U.S. Embassy contacted the Dominican Public Ministry on Friday regarding the situation.

Investigation efforts include a joint operation involving the FBI, the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, and local authorities. Witnesses, including hotel personnel and the male companion, will be re-interviewed, and all security footage from the time of Konanki’s arrival and during her stay is being scrutinized as part of the ongoing investigation.

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, has been reported missing during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic, with her clothing found near the beach. The investigation leans towards an accidental drowning, with no evidence of foul play. A collaborative investigation involving multiple authorities is underway, focusing on gathering more information through witness testimonies and security camera footage.

Original Source: abc7ny.com