Search Operations for Missing Student Sudiksha Konanki in…

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-origin student, went missing in Punta Cana, DR, on March 6. Last seen at 4:15 a.m. near Riu Republica Hotel, friends reported her missing almost 12 hours later. Authorities are investigating her companions and conducting extensive search efforts. The University of Pittsburgh is coordinating with her family and local law enforcement to find her.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-origin student attending the University of Pittsburgh, was last seen on March 6, early Thursday morning at the Riu Republica Hotel beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Dominican National Emergency System reported that authorities received notice of her disappearance at 4:15 a.m. local time, but she was not reported missing by her friends until 4 p.m. the same day, nearly 12 hours later.

Surveillance footage shows Konanki with a group of young adults shortly before her disappearance, prompting police to question them about her last known whereabouts. One young man, who entered the water, is under scrutiny as authorities work to verify his statements. A missing person description indicates that she is 5 feet 3 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes, last seen in a brown bikini and wearing various jewelry.

The University of Pittsburgh is actively collaborating with Konanki’s family and local authorities to aid in the search efforts. University spokesperson Jared Stonesifer stated, “University officials are in contact with Sudiksha Konanki’s family as well as authorities in Loudoun County, Virginia, and we have offered our full support in their efforts to find her and bring her home safely.”

The Dominican Republic’s search and rescue force, Defensa Civil, initiated search operations on Saturday, with plans to continue into Sunday morning. Konanki was in Punta Cana vacationing with five fellow female students from her university, and local law enforcement is coordinating with federal agencies and the U.S. State Department to assist in the investigation.

Her family, who has been permanent U.S. residents since 2006, is receiving assistance from the Embassy of India, which stated it is working with Dominican authorities to provide support. The Loudoun County sheriff’s office confirmed their involvement, emphasizing coordination with federal law enforcement and the U.S. State Department in the ongoing search efforts.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh, was last seen early on March 6 at a resort beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Search efforts are underway, involving local authorities and the U.S. State Department. The university is supporting her family during this distressing time. The community is urged to remain hopeful as authorities continue to investigate and coordinate searches.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com