Authorities in the Dominican Republic are conducting a thorough search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh who went missing during her spring break trip in Punta Cana. Konanki was last seen early Thursday morning, around 4:15 a.m., on surveillance footage at the Riu República Hotel beach, where she was with a group of friends.
Konanki, who hails from Loudoun County, Virginia, arrived in the Dominican Republic on March 3 with five other female students. Her family learned of her disappearance after the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo contacted local police around 8 a.m. on Friday. According to police reports, footage shows that while five women and one man left the beach at about 5:55 a.m., Konanki remained behind with a young man.
Tragically, authorities believe she may have drowned. Reports indicate that she and the man were swept away by a large wave while swimming. Surveillance footage captured the man leaving the beach alone at 9:55 a.m., with no sign of Konanki. The police are currently questioning him and others who were with her on that fateful night.
Konanki’s father expressed deep concern for his daughter, describing her as a bright and ambitious individual who had dreams of pursuing a medical career. He mentioned that she had informed her friends about attending a party at the resort on Wednesday night.
Search efforts have been extensive, involving helicopters, drones, and ground teams. Subbarayudu Konanki, Sudiksha’s father, has emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation, suggesting that authorities should also consider the possibility of kidnapping or human trafficking.
The search began on Friday and has continued with the support of various local agencies, including the Dominican Navy and Civil Defense. Despite the challenging conditions, search teams have scoured the waters and surrounding areas multiple times.
The Riu Hotels chain has stated they are "deeply concerned" about the situation and are cooperating fully with authorities. The University of Pittsburgh is also in contact with Konanki’s family and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
As the days pass, her family remains hopeful but anxious, fearing that if she is in the water, her survival chances diminish. The Indian Embassy in the Dominican Republic is also involved in the investigation, working alongside local authorities and the FBI, which has offered assistance if needed. The search continues, with hopes that Sudiksha Konanki will be found safe.