Search for Missing University Student Sudiksha Konanki Expands

CHANTILLY, Va. — Efforts to locate 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student missing in the Dominican Republic, have intensified as search teams expand their operations to include helicopters, drones, and canine units.

Konanki was last seen at approximately 4:15 a.m. on Thursday near the RIU Hotel beach in Punta Cana. She had traveled to the island with five friends for a vacation, one of whom is from Loudoun County, Virginia.

According to reports, while most of her friends returned to the hotel, authorities are investigating a young man who was seen on surveillance footage entering the water simultaneously with Konanki.

Her family and friends were notified the following morning and immediately traveled to the Dominican Republic. Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman has been coordinating the search with federal agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security, and the State Department.

“We’re going on the presumption that she’s still alive and want to make sure we’re exhausting every possible lead that we can,” Chapman stated.

Shekar Pendem, a neighbor and family friend who has known Konanki since she was three, expressed concern over the limited search area. “It’s already four days, and we’re so worried. They should expand the search area beyond just the resort area,” he said. “We expect it to go beyond that on top of any other possible angles because that would be very helpful.”

A spokesperson for the RIU Hotel confirmed that they are providing full support to the search efforts and have activated emergency protocols to ensure all necessary measures are taken. They are working closely with local authorities to assist in the investigation.

The search has now broadened and includes the La Altagaracia Civil Defense, utilizing boats, drones, and helicopters to comb the area. Additionally, the investigation now encompasses a review of surveillance video and telephone records to gather more information.

While no individuals have been detained or charged in connection with her disappearance, interviews with those who were in the area at the time continue. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has also filed for a Yellow Notice to be issued by INTERPOL, which alerts member countries about missing persons.

“We are hopeful for Sudiksha Konanki’s safe return and are committed to supporting this investigation and her family in every way possible,” the LCSO stated in a press release.

Anyone with information regarding Konanki’s case is urged to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-1021. Those wishing to remain anonymous can reach out to Loudoun Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919.