The family of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Pittsburgh University missing student who disappeared during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic, is speaking out as authorities continue their search.
Sudiksha was last seen on March 6 at the Riu República Hotel in Punta Cana, and her family is urging investigators to explore all possible leads, including the possibility of foul play, as they desperately await answers.
Missing Student’s Family Is Not Convinced
The family of Pittsburgh University student Sudiksha Konanki is urging authorities to explore all options in the search for her. The 20-year-old arrived in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on March 3 with five college friends. She was last seen on March 6 at 4:15 a.m., captured on CCTV entering the beach at the Riu República Hotel.
CCTV footage showed five women and a man leaving the beach at 5:55 a.m., but Sudiksha was not among them. When she didn’t return, her friends searched for her and later alerted authorities, a police source told CNN.
Sudiksha’s Father Is Asking for More
Sudiksha’s father, Subbarayudu Konanki, filed a missing person report later that day after she didn’t return. He stated that her friends came back, but she never reappeared from the beach.
Authorities launched a search focusing on the beach and water, but Sudiksha’s father and a family friend, Ramprakash Krishnamanaidu, filed a complaint urging them to expand the investigation to include possible kidnapping or abduction.
Sudiksha’s father told WTOP News that after four days, she would likely have washed ashore if she were in the water. He urged authorities to investigate other possibilities, including kidnapping or abduction.
The complaint suggests that while drowning is possible, there is growing suspicion of foul play, including kidnapping. It highlights that Sudiksha left her phone and wallet with friends. This was unusual for her and stressed the need for authorities to investigate not just accidental drowning but also the possibility of abduction or other criminal activity.
The Dominican National Police Responds
On March 10, the Dominican National Police announced on Twitter that they were intensifying their search. They are re-interviewing individuals and expanding the forensic analysis of surveillance footage.
The Dominican National Police announced that they, along with the Attorney General’s Office, FBI, and U.S. embassy officials, have formed a high-level commission to monitor the investigation into the disappearance of 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, an Indian-origin U.S. resident.
The new phase of the investigation began with re-interviews of people who were with Sudiksha. This also included hotel employees and her companions, to verify her movements and interactions. Authorities are dedicating all necessary resources, including specialized marine equipment, to locate the missing college student.
Thorough Analysis Is Ongoing
A team of forensic technicians is conducting a thorough analysis of video surveillance footage from Sudiksha’s arrival in the Dominican Republic on March 3, tracking her movements with her companions up to the present.
The statement confirms that various organizations, including the Dominican Republic’s Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Defense, and relief groups, are following strategic measures from the national and international commission overseeing the search. The FBI and International Liaison have also increased their involvement. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-1021.
