Ongoing Search for Missing University Student Sudiksha Konanki in Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, vanished during her spring break trip in the Dominican Republic. While officials investigate her presumed disappearance as potentially involving drowning or foul play, search efforts continue with advanced technology, including AI monitoring.

Search operations in the Dominican Republic for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, have now entered their second week. Ms. Konanki was last spotted at a hotel in the Punta Cana region at approximately 04:00 local time on 6 March. Authorities are currently investigating her case as a missing persons incident, considering possibilities ranging from accidental drowning to foul play.

Sudiksha Konanki is a biology and chemistry major at the University of Pittsburgh and traveled to the Dominican Republic with a group of five female friends for spring break, as reported by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. Originally from India, she now resides with her family in Chantilly, Virginia.

On the morning of her disappearance, surveillance footage captured Ms. Konanki walking towards the beach with her friends. Reports indicate she remained near the water with a male companion while the other members of their group returned to the hotel. The last known contact with Ms. Konanki came from Joshua Riibe, a senior at St Cloud State University, who reported that a wave struck them while on the beach. His family has expressed hope for her swift recovery, urging transparency in the ongoing investigation.

Authorities from the Dominican government have committed extensive resources to the search, dividing coastal areas and employing drones to assist in scanning the coastline and nearby waters. Footage collected by drone pilots is processed at a command center utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance the search for any signs of Ms. Konanki. Thus far, investigators have reported no indications of violence or foul play, as no blood or signs of struggle were identified at the scene.

The University of Pittsburgh is collaborating with federal agencies, including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, to assist in the ongoing search mission. In a response to her disappearance, Interpol has also issued a yellow notice, signaling international concern over missing persons in circumstances like hers, including potential kidnappings or unexplained vanishings.