Authorities in the Dominican Republic have expanded their search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who disappeared early Thursday morning while on a spring break trip in Punta Cana.
Two police sources told media that Konanki’s clothes were found on a portable beach bed near the location where she was last seen. Law enforcement officials have not found evidence of violence and are treating the case as a suspected drowning.
Konanki, a legal permanent U.S. resident and an Indian citizen, was traveling with a group of students. According to the Loudoun County, Virginia, Sheriff’s Office, both Konanki and one of her companions were Loudoun County residents.
Sudiksha Konanki: Last Known Movements
Authorities say Konanki and her friends went to a nightclub on Wednesday night before heading to the beach around 4 a.m. local time on Thursday.
Security footage captured the other women returning to their hotel at 5:55 a.m., but Konanki remained on the beach with a man whose name has not been released.
According to a Dominican Republic police report, the man stated that he and Konanki went for a swim and were hit by a large wave. He claimed that after making it back to shore, he vomited and fell asleep on a beach bed.
When he woke up, Konanki was gone.
Security footage later showed the man returning to his hotel room at 9:55 a.m., sources said.
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Investigation Underway, Foul Play Not Suspected
While authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, they currently do not consider the man a suspect. The chief of Civil Defense in the Dominican Republic told media that the investigation is being treated as an accidental drowning.
Law enforcement has now expanded the search perimeter, covering a larger stretch of beach and water in an effort to locate Konanki.
Three Dominican officials involved in the investigation told media over the weekend that they believe Konanki drowned in the ocean.
Joint Investigation with U.S. Authorities
The Dominican Republic Public Ministry revealed that the last known footage of Konanki on the beach was recorded at 4:15 a.m. Thursday.
The U.S. embassy in the Dominican Republic was first contacted about the case on Friday, and a joint investigation is now underway.
Agencies involved include:
- The FBI
- The U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic
- The Dominican National Police
- The Dominican Prosecutor’s Office
Officials say that all individuals present during the time of Konanki’s disappearance have been questioned but not charged.
As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities are now re-examining security footage from the day Konanki and her friends arrived on the island. They also plan to re-interview hotel employees and the man last seen with her.
Search Continues as Family Awaits Answers
The search for Konanki remains active, with authorities expanding efforts along the coastline.
While no definitive conclusions have been reached, investigators remain focused on finding answers for her family and friends.
