Search Intensifies for Missing Pitt Student Sudiksha Konanki in Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki’s clothing was discovered on a Dominican Republic beach amid an ongoing search for the missing student. The investigation involves multiple agencies, including the FBI, analyzing surveillance and interviewing last contacts. Authorities are considering various theories about her disappearance, including drowning and kidnapping.
Clothing belonging to Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, was found on a beach in the Dominican Republic where she was last seen on Thursday. The search for her is ongoing, with both U.S. and Dominican Republic officials involved. Investigators are examining surveillance footage, phone records, and interviewing those who were with Konanki during her spring break in Punta Cana. The FBI has also joined the efforts.
Konanki was last spotted at the Hotel Riu Republica just before 5 a.m. on Thursday. According to a report from the Dominican Republic’s search and rescue force, Defensa Civil, she was last seen walking along the beach. Her sarong-style cover-up was discovered on a lounge chair, indicating no signs of violence at the location.
Authorities are currently questioning a man in his twenties believed to be the last person to see Konanki. He has provided inconsistent statements regarding her disappearance, claiming he became ill while in the ocean. He suggested various scenarios, including that she may have been swept away by a wave or walked off after he entered the water.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is aiding in the investigation and has requested INTERPOL to issue a worldwide police alert for Konanki. Although some officials fear she may have drowned, her father is urging investigators to consider alternative possibilities like kidnapping or abduction.
Thomas Julia from the sheriff’s office emphasized that the search efforts have concentrated on the waters near Punta Cana, which experienced dangerous conditions on the day of her disappearance. He stressed that no possibilities have been ruled out, including drownings or assaults in that area.
The search for Sudiksha Konanki continues with clothing found on a Dominican Republic beach linked to her disappearance. Investigators are exploring all scenarios, including potential drowning and kidnapping. The involvement of the FBI and the submission of a worldwide alert highlights the urgency of the case. The search is mainly focused on the waters around Punta Cana, where dangerous conditions were reported during the time of her last sighting.
Original Source: triblive.com