Search Underway for Missing US College Student in Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old college student from Virginia, has been missing in the Dominican Republic since last Thursday. The local community and her family are deeply concerned as search efforts intensify using drones, canines, and boats. Authorities are actively investigating her last known whereabouts and interviewing individuals who were with her at the time of her disappearance.

The search continues for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old college student from Northern Virginia, who has been missing in the Dominican Republic since last week. Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, was last seen early Thursday morning while vacationing in Punta Cana with friends. Local authorities are utilizing canines, drones, helicopters, and boats in the search efforts, while her family and community remain hopeful for her safe return.

Family friend Shekar Pendem expressed the community’s concerns about Konanki’s safety, stating, “It’s already four days and everybody is so worried.” Pendem, who has known Konanki since her childhood, revealed that she was in the Dominican Republic for spring break with five fellow students, one of whom is also from Virginia.

According to national police, Konanki was last captured on surveillance footage around 4:15 a.m. with her friends on the hotel beach. Efforts are ongoing to interview her companions, including a young man who was present on the beach at the same time. Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman confirmed he is collaborating with federal authorities, including the FBI, in the investigation, stating, “We are going on the presumption that she’s still alive and want to make sure that we’re exhausting every possible lead that we can.”

U.S. Congressman Suhas Subramyam has advocated for mobilizing additional resources for the search. He remarked on the gravity of the situation, saying, “The worst nightmare… it’s really heartbreaking.” Konanki’s parents have traveled to the Dominican Republic to assist in the search and hope for an expansion of the search area to encompass more of Punta Cana.

As of now, it remains unclear whether foul play is suspected in Konanki’s disappearance.

The ongoing search for Sudiksha Konanki highlights the urgency and concern surrounding her mysterious disappearance. With local and federal resources being employed, there is a concerted effort by her community and law enforcement to locate her. The support from her family and the public underscores the hope for a positive outcome amidst the grim circumstances.

Original Source: www.wistv.com