FBI Joins Search for Missing Indian-Origin Student in Dominican Republic

The FBI has joined the search for Sudiksha Konanki, a missing 20-year-old Indian-origin student from the University of Pittsburgh, who disappeared on March 6 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Authorities are actively re-interviewing witnesses and exploring various theories regarding her disappearance. Dominican President Luis Abinade is overseeing search efforts.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has become involved in the search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-origin student from the University of Pittsburgh, who has been missing since March 6. She disappeared while on spring break with friends in Punta Cana, a popular resort town in the Dominican Republic, as reported by AP.

Konanki was last spotted at a beach near the Riu Repblica Hotel, where a power outage led many guests to venture towards the beach. Authorities are re-interviewing individuals who were present with her at the time of her disappearance. The hotel’s management confirmed that the incident occurred during the outage.

Dominican President Luis Abinade has publicly expressed his concern and ordered intensified search efforts to locate Konanki. He stated, “All government agencies are searching because the latest information we have… is that a wave, while on the beach, crashed into them.”

Originally from Chantilly, Virginia, Sudiksha Konanki embarked on her trip to the Dominican Republic with five other female university peers on March 3. Following her disappearance, her parents, Subbarayudu and Sreedevi, traveled to Punta Cana, urging authorities for a more vigorous investigation without delay.

Local authorities have hypothesized that Konanki may have drowned after entering the ocean while wearing a brown bikini. However, her father has raised the alarming possibility of a potential kidnapping. Despite extensive search efforts utilizing helicopters, drones, boats, scuba divers, and all-terrain vehicles, authorities have not yet been able to locate her.

In summary, the FBI’s involvement in the search for Sudiksha Konanki highlights the urgent need for further investigation into her mysterious disappearance. While authorities explore both drowning and kidnapping theories, resource-intensive efforts continue without success. The continued efforts of local and federal agencies demonstrate the commitment to ensuring her safe return.

Original Source: www.indiatoday.in