Indian-American Student Missing in Dominican Republic, Feared Drowned

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-American student, has gone missing while on vacation in the Dominican Republic. Authorities fear she may have drowned in the Caribbean Sea. The news was confirmed by local officials through ABC News.

Disappearance at the Beach

According to officials involved in the investigation, Sudiksha was last seen on March 6 at a beach in Punta Cana. She was with six people when she reportedly ventured close to the water and may have been swept away by the waves.

Her trip to the Dominican Republic was meant to be a holiday, but things took a tragic turn when she failed to return from the beach.

Authorities Issue Missing Person Posters

Local Dominican authorities launched search efforts, including distributing missing person posters with details of her physical description:

• Height: 5 feet 3 inches
• Last seen: Near the Riu República Resort in Punta Cana
• Last footage: Captured on the beach at 4:15 AM on March 6
  

What Happened That Night?

Reports suggest that while most of the group returned to their accommodations, Sudiksha and a friend stayed back at the beach. Investigators suspect that she entered the water to swim and may have been caught in the strong ocean currents.

Sudiksha’s Background & Academic Career

Sudiksha Konanki’s family has been living in the United States since 2006. Her father, Subbarayadu Konanki, revealed that she aspired to pursue a career in medicine.

She was currently a chemistry and biology student at the University of Pittsburgh and had previously studied at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia.

University of Pittsburgh Responds

Officials at the University of Pittsburgh have expressed their concern and are working closely with Sudiksha’s family and Virginia authorities to provide assistance.

“We are committed to helping bring Sudiksha home and are in constant communication with her family and the necessary officials,” stated a university spokesperson.

Ongoing Investigation

As the search continues, authorities in both the U.S. and Dominican Republic are monitoring the case closely. Her family, friends, and university officials await further updates while hoping for any new leads.