SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — A search is underway for 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, who vanished while vacationing in the bustling tourist hotspot of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Despite being last seen near the resort’s beach before dawn on March 6, efforts to locate her have yet to yield results.
Authorities, including Civil Defense teams, are employing drones, helicopters, and detection dogs to comb the eastern coastal waters of the island, where it is presumed she went missing. According to Jensen Sánchez, a Civil Defense spokesperson, the investigation centres on the likelihood of drowning, though this remains under scrutiny.
Sudiksha’s father, Subbarayudu Konanki, has urged the authorities to broaden their investigative scope, voicing concerns about potential scenarios beyond accidental drowning, such as kidnapping or abduction. He expressed his worries, noting the unusual circumstances of her disappearance and the fact that her belongings were left behind.
Sudiksha’s family, upon learning of her disappearance, swiftly travelled to Punta Cana. Accompanied by family friends, her father lodged an official complaint, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into all possible avenues. The fact that she always carried her phone but left it behind heightened his concerns.
Sudiksha is a U.S. permanent resident of Indian nationality from Chantilly, Virginia. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is collaborating closely with federal agencies and university police to support the ongoing investigation led by the Dominican National Police.
The University of Pittsburgh has expressed their support, maintaining communication with Sudiksha’s family and authorities in Virginia. The institution is actively participating in efforts to ensure the safe return of the student, providing any assistance possible.
According to her father, Sudiksha and five fellow university students embarked on their trip to the Dominican Republic on March 3, seeking relaxation and enjoyment during their spring break in Punta Cana.
