Parents of Missing Student Seek Legal Declaration of Death for Closure

Sudiksha Konanki’s parents are seeking a legal declaration of her death for closure after she vanished in March 2023. Investigators suspect drowning, but no body has been recovered. Legal complexities exist in declaring someone deceased without a body in the Dominican Republic, and the family’s request is ongoing to settle financial matters and facilitate grieving.

The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a missing Indian student, are seeking a legal declaration of her death to find closure. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has communicated that this request aligns with the desires of the grieving parents, who believe that acknowledging their daughter’s accidental drowning will aid in their healing process. However, the final determination is contingent upon the authorities in the Dominican Republic.

Sudiksha Konanki has been missing since March 6, when she disappeared from Punta Cana beach. Investigators suspect she drowned, as no evidence of foul play has been uncovered. The family indicated in a letter to CNN that pursuing this legal declaration would facilitate their grieving process and resolve associated matters.

Although Sheriff Mike Chapman confirmed that the investigation suggests drowning, Sudiksha’s death has yet to be officially confirmed, and the case remains open. Legal experts highlight that declaring someone deceased without a body is a complicated procedure in the Dominican Republic and requires either congressional or presidential approval. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the family in understanding this intricate process.

The Kranki family wishes for this declaration to assist in settling financial issues related to their daughter’s absence, including college funds and insurance policies, which are currently in a state of uncertainty. Although they have not planned any litigation thus far, such a declaration could influence the type of lawsuit and potential compensatory damages.

In a poignant interview, Sudiksha’s father expressed the profound sorrow that accompanies their acceptance of her presumed drowning, urging prayers for their family during this difficult time. Sudiksha, a University of Pittsburgh student, was last seen in Punta Cana, having arrived on March 3 with friends. Surveillance footage documented her drinking at a local bar and subsequently heading to the beach with a group, including a person of interest, Joshua Riibe.

Joshua Riibe, who was last seen with Sudiksha, had his passport confiscated by Dominican authorities as part of the investigation. Although he was interviewed extensively, he is not viewed as a suspect. Riibe reported a failed attempt to rescue Ms. Konanki after they were swept away by a wave. Following a lengthy detention without formal charges, he was released, but his passport remains with authorities as the investigation continues, categorized as a missing persons case by both US and Dominican officials.

In conclusion, the parents of Sudiksha Konanki are advocating for a legal declaration of her death to achieve closure and resolve financial issues stemming from her disappearance. Although investigators believe her missing status results from drowning, the case remains open and under scrutiny by Dominican authorities. The complications involved in declaring someone deceased without a body pose a significant legal challenge, and the outcome is pending as the family seeks to honor Sudiksha’s memory.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com