A 20-year-old college student has gone missing while enjoying a vacation in the Dominican Republic, triggering a large-scale search effort involving land, air, and sea.
Sudiksha Konanki, a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, was last seen on video entering the beach section of the Riu República Hotel in Punta Cana around 4:15 a.m. on Thursday with seven other individuals, according to the Dominican National Police.
Her friends reported her missing after she failed to return from the beach.
The search involves authorities from the Dominican Republic, the United States, and India. Search dogs, drones, and helicopters are being used to try to locate her.
Konanki is known for her ambition and strong desire to study medicine. Her father described her as a kind and driven student who aimed to pursue a career as a doctor. She was in Punta Cana for spring break, preparing for her premed studies.
Originally from India, the Konanki family has lived in Loudoun County, Virginia, since 2006 and is now permanent residents. Back home, many are praying for her safe return as concern continues to rise.
As the search for Konanki intensifies, her family friends have expressed their deep worries about her wellbeing. Authorities initiated an extensive search after her father filed a missing person report around 5:43 p.m. on Thursday. They reached out to the State Department and local law enforcement in the Dominican Republic for assistance.
In the hours leading up to her disappearance, Konanki was seen socializing with friends at the hotel lobby and then went to the beach. While her friends returned to their hotel, Konanki did not.
Surveillance cameras last captured her group entering the beach, but by 5:55 a.m., the same cameras recorded them leaving, minus Konanki. After realizing she didn’t return to her room, her friends searched the vicinity before contacting the hotel staff.
Officials later found Konanki’s cover-up on a lounge chair at the beach, but no signs of a struggle were reported. A man who was reportedly the last person with her has been interviewed. He has given varying accounts of their time together, including claims that she might have been swept away by a wave or left the beach while he rested.
The search continues, involving both local and international efforts. The Dominican National Police has promised to re-interview all those who were with Konanki and are reviewing surveillance footage thoroughly.
Police are also using advanced equipment and specialized personnel to enhance search operations. Meanwhile, Konanki’s family, along with two close friends, has traveled to Punta Cana to aid in the search.
Officials have stated they will explore all possibilities regarding her case, including whether foul play may have been involved. Given that the search has so far yielded no results, authorities remain hopeful and are committed to finding her.
The situation has attracted significant public attention, and local law enforcement has called for caution against speculation surrounding Konanki’s disappearance as investigations continue.
