A sheriff in Virginia is questioning the assumption that a missing student from the University of Pittsburgh drowned in the Dominican Republic. Sheriff Mike Chapman stated it’s “too early to rule anything out.” He is committed to exploring all possibilities regarding the disappearance of 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, who went missing on March 6 while vacationing in Punta Cana with five classmates.
The investigation is currently a collaborative effort among Dominican authorities, the FBI, the U.S. Embassy, and other organizations. They are diligently interviewing witnesses and examining phone records to gather information. “We want to turn over every rock,” Chapman emphasized.
Sudiksha was last seen walking along the beach during a spring break trip. Reports suggest that she may have gone swimming with someone who stayed with her until early morning hours. Warnings about dangerous waves were noted by local officials, who also stated that one person claimed they were caught in a big wave.
As the search continues, Dominican authorities are utilizing helicopters and drones. They suspect Konanki may have drowned, although this scenario remains under investigation. An eyewitness, a young man who entered the water around the time she vanished, is being questioned for further details.
Sudiksha’s family is actively involved in the situation. Her parents traveled to Punta Cana upon hearing the news of her disappearance. Her father expressed frustration over the investigation timeline, stating, “It’s been four days, and if she were in the water, she would likely have washed ashore.” He has called for authorities to explore other possibilities, such as abduction.
In their complaint, her parents pointed out that Sudiksha left her belongings, including her phone and wallet, with friends—a behavior they described as unusual. They urged investigators to consider all angles, including potential foul play, beyond merely an accidental drowning.
This incident highlights safety concerns for travelers in popular vacation spots. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Dominican Republic, urging visitors to exercise increased caution. Issues related to crime, including the presence of weapons and illicit drugs, contribute to the warnings.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on finding Sudiksha and ensuring her family’s concerns are addressed by law enforcement.
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