Search Underway for Missing U.S. Tourist in Dominican Republic

A 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, Sudiksha Konanki, is missing in the Dominican Republic. Last seen around 4:15 a.m. on Thursday at Riu República Hotel, the search involves multiple agencies. Initial assessments suggest she may have drowned, though her father calls for broader investigations due to concerns over foul play.

Authorities in the Dominican Republic are actively searching for 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a student at the University of Pittsburgh, who went missing during a spring break trip to Punta Cana. Reportedly last seen on surveillance footage entering the beach at the Riu República Hotel with seven others at approximately 4:15 a.m. on Thursday, her disappearance was reported by the U.S. Embassy the following day after her friends noticed her absence.

Initial investigations indicate that Konanki remained on the beach while the others left. A local police source suggested she was accompanied by a young man, who was later seen leaving the beach alone without her at 9:55 a.m. Shortly after, authorities received a report suggesting that Konanki may have drowned during a swim with the man.

Konnaki’s father expressed concerns about potential foul play, stating, “We do not think she would be able to survive for more than three days in the water and I think something else might have happened to her.” He urged local authorities to investigate possibilities beyond accidental drowning.

Since her disappearance, a comprehensive search operation has been conducted involving drones, helicopters, and searching efforts by sea and ground. The Dominican National Emergency System has coordinated multiple teams to explore the surrounding coastal areas, while the Riu Hotels chain has pledged to assist in the search and expressed deep concern for their guest’s disappearance.

The University of Pittsburgh is also involved, urging anyone with information to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Local authorities, including the FBI and the Indian Embassy, are engaged in supporting the investigation, ensuring all resources are utilized in the efforts to locate Konanki, who is an Indian citizen and has resided in the United States since 2006.

The ongoing search for Sudiksha Konanki exemplifies the concerted efforts of various authorities, including local police and international agencies, to locate the missing student. While initial reports suggest possible accidental drowning, her family has raised concerns about other potential outcomes. Authorities continue to search extensively, reflecting the urgency and seriousness of the situation.

Original Source: globalnews.ca