Investigation Into Missing University Student in the Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, went missing on March 6 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. After a night out with friends, she was last seen near her hotel beach. The FBI has joined the investigation, with additional support from U.S. detectives, as the search continues without signs of violence noted.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old junior from the University of Pittsburgh, went missing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on March 6 while on spring break with friends. She was last seen near her hotel beach around 4:50 a.m. after enjoying a night out. The FBI has since joined the local authorities in the search effort to locate her.

Originally from Chantilly, Virginia, Konanki traveled to Punta Cana with a group of friends beginning March 3. She was a biology major and an Indian citizen with permanent U.S. residency. The group went to the beach after an outing at a nightclub, but only Konanki remained after her friends returned to the hotel, as captured by security footage.

A man who was with her on the beach reported that he had gone swimming before falling asleep after feeling unwell. He claimed to have awakened around 8:55 a.m. to find Konanki missing. During the same timeframe, a power outage occurred, prompting guests to gather at the beach, as documented by hotel management.

Konanki’s clothing was discovered near a portable beach bed, yet authorities found no signs of violence at the scene. Descriptions of her last-known attire included a brown bikini and various accessories. Authorities are actively conducting interviews with hotel staff and friends as the investigation unfolds.

Efforts by U.S. authorities, including detectives from Loudoun County and FBI forensic technicians, are underway to analyze surveillance footage and assess the circumstances leading up to Konanki’s disappearance. The search perimeter has also been widened as investigators continue their determined search for answers.

Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance during her spring break trip in the Dominican Republic has prompted an extensive investigation, with local authorities now supported by the FBI and U.S. detectives. Key details, including witness accounts and surveillance footage, are being evaluated to piece together the events of March 6. As the search continues, efforts have been made to engage international police assistance through a yellow notice.

Original Source: www.deseret.com