Authorities in the Dominican Republic are investigating the disappearance of a University of Pittsburgh student who is believed to have drowned after being caught in a strong wave during a spring break trip.
Sudiksha Konanki, 20, from northern Virginia, went missing last Thursday in Punta Cana while staying at the five-star Riu Republica Resort. She was last seen walking along the beach, according to a flyer circulating online.
Konanki was part of a group of six female students from the University of Pittsburgh visiting the area. According to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, most of the group returned to the hotel on the night of March 5, but one individual remained with Konanki on the beach in the early hours of March 6.
Three Dominican officials told ABC News that Konanki and her companion entered the water and were caught in a strong wave. Authorities believe she drowned, though her body has not been recovered.
Investigation Ongoing
Local investigators have questioned a "young man" who was reportedly in the water at the time of Konanki’s disappearance, according to Dominican news outlet Listin Diario. However, officials have not confirmed any criminal activity related to the case.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares told "Fox & Friends" on Monday that authorities are still gathering information. “Her friends have all been accounted for, which is good news. Our hearts go out to her family. We want to find her safe and sound, but right now there’s a lot we don’t know,” he said.
Miyares also cautioned travelers to remain vigilant, especially in unfamiliar locations. “Unfortunately, in almost every country, foreign tourists can be targeted,” he warned.
Family Seeks Expanded Search Efforts
Konanki’s parents have traveled to Punta Cana, urging authorities to explore all possibilities beyond accidental drowning. Her father, Subbarayudu Konanki, expressed concerns about the lack of evidence supporting a drowning theory.
"It’s been four days, and if she was in the water, she would likely have washed ashore," he told WTOP. “Since she hasn’t been found, we’re asking them to investigate other possibilities, including kidnapping or foul play.”
In a formal complaint, Konanki’s father noted that her phone, wallet, and personal belongings were left behind, which he said was unusual for his daughter. He has called for authorities to conduct a more thorough investigation.
The Dominican Republic’s search and rescue agency, Defensa Civil Dominicana, conducted an extensive search on Saturday and planned to continue efforts on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the University of Pittsburgh has been in contact with Konanki’s family and local authorities, offering full support in efforts to locate her.
RIU Hotels, the resort company where Konanki was staying, issued a statement expressing concern over her disappearance. “The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest priority, and we are fully committed to assisting in any way possible,” the company said. Employees across RIU’s five Punta Cana properties have been encouraged to report any relevant information.
U.S. agencies, including the State Department, FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security Investigations, are working alongside Dominican authorities and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office to aid the search and investigation.
Last Known Details
Konanki, a U.S. permanent resident and Indian citizen, is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen around 4:50 a.m. on March 6, wearing a brown two-piece bikini, big round earrings, a metal designer anklet on her right leg, yellow and steel bracelets on her right hand, and a multicolored beaded bracelet on her left hand.
Authorities continue their search as her family holds out hope for answers.