New Developments in Search for Missing University of Pittsburgh Student Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, goes missing in Punta Cana after a night out with friends. Her clothes were found on a beach bed, and initial investigations suggest she may have drowned. The male companion with her is not a suspect, and her friends are cooperating with authorities who were notified by the U.S. embassy.
Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, went missing during a spring break trip in Punta Cana. She vanished early Thursday morning after a night out with friends, according to the Loudoun County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office. Her clothes were found on a portable beach bed nearby, suggesting she was last seen near that area while swimming.
Witnesses reported that Konanki and her friends returned to the beach around 4 a.m. after visiting a nightclub. Security footage captured her travel companions returning to their hotel at approximately 5:55 a.m. A male acquaintance stayed on the beach with her, who reported that after swimming, he fell asleep and found her missing upon awakening.
The man, who has not been named and is not deemed a suspect, informed police that they were caught in a strong wave while swimming. He returned to his hotel room by 9:55 a.m. after encountering the waves. Authorities believe that Konanki may have drowned, indicating no signs of foul play were detected.
The last confirmed sighting of Konanki on security footage was around 4:15 a.m. on Thursday, just before her friends left her. The Dominican Public Ministry was notified of the incident by the U.S. embassy on Friday. Meanwhile, her friends have cooperated with investigations and have not faced any charges from police.
The ongoing investigation into Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance highlights how critical details such as eyewitness accounts and security footage can influence search efforts. While authorities suspect drowning without evidence of violence, the situation remains under close scrutiny as they examine the circumstances surrounding her last known moments. As the search continues, the cooperation of witnesses is essential in unveiling the full narrative of this troubling case.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com