Sudiksha Konanki’s Parents Seek Legal Declaration of Death for Closure

Sudiksha Konanki’s parents are seeking a legal declaration of her death to achieve closure following her disappearance in the Dominican Republic. Investigators suspect accidental drowning, but no body has been recovered. The declaration is complicated and requires approval from Dominican authorities, with the family’s legal proceedings supported by local law enforcement.

The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a missing Indian student, have requested her declaration of death to gain closure, as reported by CNN. According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, where the family resides, the request reflects the parents’ wishes following the belief that she drowned in the Dominican Republic. The final decision to declare her dead lies with Dominican authorities.

Since her disappearance on March 6 at Punta Cana beach, Ms. Konanki’s body has not been recovered. The Konanki family has indicated that the initiation of the legal process would assist them in grieving and addressing necessary matters. Investigators believe accidental drowning is the cause of her disappearance, lacking evidence of foul play, prompting them to advocate for the formal declaration of her death.

Sheriff Mike Chapman noted that while drowning is suspected, her death remains unconfirmed, and the case stays open. Investigations are ongoing in the Dominican Republic, where declaring someone deceased without a body is a complicated legal process requiring special approvals, as stated by attorney Julio Cury.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has pledged assistance in navigating these legal proceedings, acknowledging the family’s need for closure. Attorney Phillip DiLucente explained that parents are motivated to respect and honor their child’s memory through this process. A legal declaration of death would also facilitate the settlement of financial issues, such as insurance and college funds, currently in limbo until a death certificate is issued.

During a recent emotional interview, Ms. Konanki’s father expressed the family’s heartache, sharing their struggle to accept their daughter’s presumed drowning. Sudiksha, a University of Pittsburgh student, was last seen in surveillance footage on March 3 while vacationing with friends in Punta Cana, prior to their beach visit.

The last known individual with Ms. Konanki, Joshua Riibe, has had his passport seized by authorities. Although he was questioned extensively, he is not currently a suspect. Mr. Riibe recounted a failed rescue attempt after they were caught in a wave but has stated he was treated unfairly during the investigation process.

As the inquiry continues, authorities classify Sudiksha’s case as a missing persons investigation rather than a criminal matter, engaging both US and Dominican officials in the effort.

The request by Sudiksha Konanki’s parents to declare her officially dead aims to provide closure and facilitate the resolution of financial matters related to her disappearance. With the investigation still ongoing in the Dominican Republic and complexities surrounding legal declarations without a body, the case remains open. Continued support from authorities is paramount as the family navigates this challenging period.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com