Search for Missing University of Pittsburgh Student in Dominican…

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student missing in the Dominican Republic, was last seen at a resort’s beach. Authorities are considering drowning and abduction possibilities, while her family urges further investigation into her disappearance. Kamachi’s embassy and law enforcement coordinate the search. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact local sheriffs.

The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student missing in the Dominican Republic since Thursday, continues as authorities investigate various possibilities regarding her disappearance. She was last seen at the Hotel Riu Republica in Punta Cana around 5 a.m., reportedly walking on the beach. Surveillance cameras recorded six individuals leaving the beach around 6 a.m., and one young man, believed to have stayed behind with Konanki, has since been questioned by investigators.

Konanki, who hails from Loudoun County, Virginia but is originally from India, was in Punta Cana for spring break prior to starting pre-med studies at Pitt. Her father stated she planned to attend a party at the resort, and when she didn’t return to her room, her friends notified authorities. Reports suggest that Dominican officials are considering the possibility that she drowned; however, local authorities in Virginia are calling for a broader investigation into other potential scenarios, including kidnapping or human trafficking.

Chad Quinn of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that law enforcement is not aware of any substantiated evidence supporting the drowning theory. Quoting her father, he urged officials to explore other leads, asserting that he doubts Konanki could survive for three days in the water. He implored authorities not to limit their investigation to the ocean.

The sheriff’s office was notified of Konanki’s absence Thursday night, confirming she was one of six female Pitt students on the trip. The Indian embassy in the Dominican Republic is taking a lead role in coordinating efforts to locate her, with support from the U.S. State Department and local law enforcement. The University of Pittsburgh expressed its support for Konanki’s family and the search efforts.

The Hotel Riu Republica also expressed concern over Konanki’s disappearance, emphasizing their collaboration with local authorities, including the police and navy, to facilitate a thorough search. Konanki is notable for being an exemplary student, having graduated from the highly-rated Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in 2022. Authorities are urging anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-1021.

The search for Sudiksha Konanki remains ongoing as various theories about her disappearance are being investigated. While Dominican officials are leaning towards the possibility of drowning, her family is advocating for more thorough scrutiny into other potential explanations, such as kidnapping. The University of Pittsburgh and local authorities are collaborating in the efforts to locate her, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. They appeal for public assistance to provide any information that may help in the search.

Original Source: triblive.com