Investigative Update on Sudiksha Konanki’s Disappearance in Punta Cana

The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a missing University of Pittsburgh student, revealed her clothing found near the beach. Witnesses from her group include two males, one of whom is under investigation regarding his claims. Authorities suspect drowning but emphasize exploring all possibilities. Multiple agencies are involved in the search efforts.

The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who vanished in Punta Cana, has revealed that her clothing was discovered on a portable beach bed near where she was last seen. Two police sources informed ABC News of this significant development in the case. The young woman was reportedly last observed entering the beach at the five-star Riu Republica Resort early on the morning of March 6, as reported by La Policia Nacional, the national police of the Dominican Republic.

Before her disappearance, eyewitness accounts indicated that Ms. Konanki was walking along the beach with a group of six fellow students. Although most of the group returned to their hotel that night, one individual remained with Konanki on the beach until the early hours of the morning. Dominican authorities are currently investigating this person’s account along with the statements from a male witness who reportedly entered the water with Konanki but left due to feeling unwell.

According to this male witness’s varying accounts, he originally claimed to have left her in shallow water before losing consciousness on the beach. Security footage reportedly showed him returning to his hotel room shortly before 10 a.m. on March 6. Dominican officials have indicated a belief that Konanki may have drowned, although the man last seen with her is not presently regarded as a suspect, and investigators have found no indications of violence.

When asked whether foul play is suspected, a spokesperson for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office stated that they are exploring all possibilities. Furthermore, the hotel where Konanki stayed expressed their commitment to supporting the authorities in their efforts and has enacted an emergency protocol.

Various agencies are collaborating in the search operations, including the Dominican Republic Civil Defense, firefighters, the national police, the Dominican Navy, and the Embassy of India in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has submitted a Yellow Notice to INTERPOL to aid in the search for Konanki. The University of Pittsburgh Police Department is also cooperating with local authorities on the investigation.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares commented on the situation, expressing condolences for Konanki’s family and emphasizing the desire to locate her safely. He confirmed that all of Konanki’s friends have been located, which he described as “the good news.”

In conclusion, the search for Sudiksha Konanki has led to the discovery of her clothing on a beach, heightening concerns about her whereabouts since her last sighting. Investigations continue as authorities explore the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, with support from multiple agencies and local law enforcement. While some evidence suggests drowning, the absence of foul play has not been definitively ruled out. Efforts remain focused on locating Konanki safely and providing assistance to her family during this challenging time.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com