Investigation Underway After College Student Goes Missing in Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student, has been missing in Punta Cana since March 6. Her father is requesting authorities to consider kidnapping or foul play. The University of Pittsburgh is supporting the family, while local and federal authorities are involved in the ongoing investigation.

A 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, Sudiksha Konanki, has gone missing while vacationing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, with friends. Her father, Subbarayudu Konanki, has urged authorities to broaden their search to include potential kidnapping or abduction, given that she has not been found in the water. The last sighting of Sudiksha was reported before dawn on March 6 at a beach near her resort.

University officials are in communication with Sudiksha’s family and local authorities, providing support in the search effort. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with federal officials and university police, is assisting the investigation led by the Dominican National Police. Sudiksha, an Indian citizen and U.S. permanent resident from Virginia, began her trip to the island on March 3, along with five female classmates.

Upon learning of her disappearance, her parents traveled to Punta Cana with close family friends to assist in the search. The focus of the investigation has been on locations around the water, and the family has formally requested that the inquiry be expanded. Notably, Sudiksha’s belongings, including her phone and wallet, were left with her friends, which her father characterized as “unusual” given her routine of carrying her phone. He has insisted that a thorough investigation into all possibilities, including foul play, be conducted promptly.

The case of Sudiksha Konanki emphasizes the urgency of thorough investigations in missing persons cases, especially in foreign locations. The involvement of both university and local law enforcement is crucial as the family seeks answers and supports efforts to ensure the safety of tourists. The unusual circumstances surrounding Sudiksha’s belongings raise further concerns regarding her disappearance, prompting a call for a comprehensive investigation.

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