University of Pittsburgh Student Missing in Dominican Republic, Suspected Drowning

A University of Pittsburgh student, Sudiksha Konanki, is missing in the Dominican Republic and believed to have drowned. She was last seen on security footage at Riu Republica Resort. Investigators suggest evidence remains inconclusive, and a coordinated effort is underway among U.S. authorities and the Indian embassy.

A 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh, Sudiksha Konanki, has been reported missing during a recent spring break trip to the Dominican Republic and is presumed to have drowned. Traveling with five other students, she was last seen at approximately 4:50 AM at Riu Republica Resort, as captured by security cameras. Reports indicate she was on the beach with another individual prior to their swim, but details surrounding her disappearance remain unclear.

Thomas Julia, spokesperson for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, expressed skepticism regarding the claim of drowning, emphasizing that there is no evidence substantiating this conclusion. Investigators are considering multiple scenarios, including the possibility of foul play, while conducting interviews and reviewing surveillance and communication records. Efforts are ongoing to locate Konanki, with authorities concentrating on areas suitable for maritime searches.

Her friends noted that Sudiksha intended to attend a party at the resort on the night of her disappearance. When she did not return to her room the next morning, her friends alerted the authorities. She was wearing a two-piece bikini and distinct accessories when last seen, matching a provided image.

Sudiksha Konanki, anticipated to graduate in 2026, has familial ties to India, which prompts the U.S. State Department to collaborate with the Indian embassy during the investigation. Jared Stonesifer, a University of Pittsburgh spokesperson, affirmed the university’s commitment to supporting her family in their efforts to locate her.

Amidst this alarming incident, the U.S. State Department had issued a travel advisory previously warning American travelers to exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to concerns over violent crime and other safety issues. Conditions at the Riu Republica Resort have also been unfavorable, with guests facing power outages and inadequate food supplies, leading to significant distress among the vacationers.

The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a missing University of Pittsburgh student presumed to have drowned in the Dominican Republic, continues. While investigators probe multiple possibilities regarding her disappearance, no definitive evidence confirming her drowning has surfaced. The United States authorities are working closely with the Indian embassy to deduce the circumstances of the case, ensuring that all options are explored in the search for the young student.

Original Source: www.newsbreak.com