University of Pittsburgh Student Missing During Spring Break in Punta Cana

Authorities are intensifying the search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who disappeared during a spring break trip in Punta Cana. Konanki was last seen in the early hours of March 6 near the beach of the Riu Republica Resort.

According to reports, Konanki and five friends arrived in Punta Cana on March 3. Surveillance footage shows the group entering the resort's beach area around 4:15 a.m. on March 6, accompanied by two men they met at the hotel. Approximately two hours later, five women and one man left the beach, while Konanki and another man remained behind. Her friends reported her missing that afternoon when she failed to return to her room.

Local authorities suggest that Konanki may have drowned after being caught by a large wave during an early morning swim. However, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office in Virginia, where Konanki's family resides, considers this conclusion premature, stating there's "no evidence to support that conclusion at this time." The investigation is exploring all possibilities, including accidental drowning and foul play.

Konanki's father, Subbarayudu, has urged authorities to broaden the investigation to consider scenarios such as kidnapping or human trafficking, especially since her personal belongings, including her phone and wallet, were left with her friends—behavior he describes as unusual for her.

Search efforts have been extensive, involving drones, helicopters, and detection dogs. The U.S. Department of State, the Indian Embassy in the Dominican Republic, and various U.S. agencies, including the FBI and DEA, are collaborating with local authorities in the ongoing investigation.

The University of Pittsburgh has expressed deep concern and is in contact with Konanki's family, offering support during this challenging time. The university is also coordinating with authorities to assist in the search efforts.

As the search continues, authorities urge anyone with information regarding Konanki's whereabouts to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office or local authorities in the Dominican Republic.