NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Loudoun County, VA, March 10, 2025– The search for 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who went missing while on spring break in Punta Cana, continues as authorities expand their efforts. Despite extensive land and sea operations, including the use of drones, helicopters, divers, boats, and canine units, there has been no sign of Konanki since her disappearance on March 6.
Dominican authorities have suggested that Konanki may have drowned after being caught by a large wave while swimming early that morning. However, her family disputes this theory, raising concerns about possible foul play, including the possibility of kidnapping or human trafficking, especially since her body has not been found.
Surveillance footage from 4:15 a.m. on March 6 reportedly shows Konanki and her friends walking onto the beach. While most of the group returned to their hotel, Konanki stayed behind with another individual. One companion claims they were struck by strong waves while swimming, and he managed to return to shore alone. Another friend, who had passed out drunk on the beach, stated that when he woke up, Konanki was missing.
Local authorities have questioned the individuals who were last seen with Konanki, but no charges have been filed, and there has been no official confirmation of foul play. Konanki’s family, however, has formally urged investigators to broaden their scope beyond the drowning hypothesis, emphasizing that she left behind her phone and wallet with friends, which they believe is out of character.
On Sunday, Subbarayudu Konanki and family friend Ramprakash Krishnamanaidu filed a record of complaint, seeking to widen the investigation. Her father, Subbarayudu Konanki, told WTOP his daughter and five female friends from Pitt had traveled to the resort on the Caribbean nation’s east coast.
“It’s four days, and if she was in water, she would likely have been strewn to shore,” Subbarayudu said. “She’s not found, so we’re asking them to investigate multiple options, like kidnapping or abduction.”
The U.S. Embassy, the Dominican police, and the Embassy of India are all involved in the investigation. Additionally, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, where Konanki resides, is coordinating with federal and international agencies to assist in the search.
As the investigation continues, authorities are asking anyone with information about Konanki’s whereabouts to come forward. Meanwhile, her family remains desperate for answers, with growing concerns over her safety and calls for increased security measures in the region.
