Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, has gone missing during a spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Authorities believe she may have drowned while traveling with a group of six friends. The incident has sparked an intense search operation, with efforts underway to determine her whereabouts.
What Happened?
Konanki, originally from Loudoun County, Virginia, was last seen on March 6, in the early hours of the morning. According to reports, she was near a beach close to the resort where she was staying.
Eyewitnesses claim she went for a walk alone but never returned. A young man who was seen swimming with her is now being questioned by local authorities as part of the investigation.
Dominican authorities launched a search operation on March 8, deploying drones and helicopters to locate her. However, so far, no trace of her has been found.
The University of Pittsburgh has issued a statement, expressing deep concern over Konanki’s disappearance. The institution has also been in contact with her family, offering support and assistance.
Additionally, the Embassy of India is actively coordinating with local authorities to assist in the search efforts.
The Dominican Republic’s police and rescue teams are treating the case as a potential drowning, though other possibilities have not been ruled out. Authorities are looking into security footage, witness statements, and possible external factors that may have contributed to her disappearance.
Meanwhile, Konanki’s family and friends are anxiously awaiting updates, hoping for answers regarding her whereabouts and well-being.
As the search continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about her last known movements to come forward. The case remains under investigation, with officials working to determine what happened in the hours leading up to her disappearance.