The mystery deepens.
The search for missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki has led to a new development. Authorities found her clothes on a portable beach bed near the area where she was last seen. Konanki disappeared on the morning of March 6 while vacationing at the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, with a group of six fellow students. Prior to her disappearance, Konanki was walking on the beach with her group, but one friend remained with her after most of the group returned to the hotel. Dominican officials have said they are investigating this friend and other possible witnesses.
The investigation has focused on a man who was reportedly with Konanki in the water before her disappearance. The man claims that he felt ill due to the rough surf and returned to shore, leaving Konanki behind. He gave another version of events, stating that he left her in shallow water and later passed out on the beach. Security footage has shown the man returning to his hotel room shortly before 10 a.m., but Dominican police have not named him as a suspect.
Dominican officials believe Konanki may have drowned, though no evidence of foul play has been found. The investigation continues, with several agencies involved in the search, including the Dominican Republic Civil Defense, police, the national navy, and the Indian embassy. Additionally, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, where Konanki is from, has requested INTERPOL to issue a Yellow Notice to assist in the search.
Konanki, a legal U.S. resident originally from India, is described as being 5 feet 3 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a brown bikini, hoop earrings, and several bracelets and an anklet. Authorities and her family continue to search for her, with a focus on gathering more information to determine her whereabouts.
