Search Efforts Intensify for Missing University of Pittsburgh…

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, has been missing in the Dominican Republic for four days. Her father is urging a broader investigation into her disappearance, suspecting potential kidnapping or abduction. Authorities are searching by land and sea, while the university and local police are involved in the efforts to locate her.

The father of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student missing in the Dominican Republic, is requesting an expanded investigation into her disappearance as search efforts continue on the fourth day. Subbarayudu Konanki highlighted concerns that his daughter may have been a victim of kidnapping or abduction, stating, “It’s four days, and if she was in water, she would likely have been strewn to shore.”

Sudiksha was last seen before dawn on March 6, near a beach close to her resort. Despite authorities deploying drones, helicopters, and detection dogs to search the region, she has not been located. The family traveled to Punta Cana after learning of her situation and filed a complaint asking for an investigation into possible foul play, emphasizing that Sudiksha’s phone and wallet were left behind.

Subbarayudu Konanki formally requested that the authorities consider theories of kidnapping or foul play in addition to accidental drowning. Jensen Sánchez from Civil Defense noted that it could take more than a week for a body to surface, and the investigation is ongoing, stating, “The search is underway at sea because it’s presumed she drowned. That is under police investigation.”

Sudiksha Konanki is an Indian citizen and US permanent resident from Chantilly, Virginia. Authorities, including federal officials and university police, are collaborating to locate her. The University of Pittsburgh has voiced support for the Konanki family, stating, “We are deeply concerned and are working with all parties involved to ensure every effort is made to locate Sudiksha and bring her home safely.” Sudiksha traveled to the Dominican Republic on March 3 with five other female students for a vacation.

The case of Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance raises significant concerns regarding potential foul play, despite initial assumptions of an accidental drowning. The family’s appeal for a broader investigation underscores the urgency of the situation and the importance of exploring all avenues in the search for her. As more resources are allocated to the investigation, the collaboration between various authorities aims to ensure a thorough search effort to bring Sudiksha home safely.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com