U.S. Student Vanishes From Dominican Republic: What We Know
The Dominican Republic is a top vacation spot for many people, especially Americans. According to Statista, over 2.5 million Americans visited the Dominican Republic in 2023.
One of the most popular tourist areas of the country is Punta Cana, which is known for its stunning beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and lively night life. It's also considered one of the safest vacation spots in the Caribbean.
While this area is deemed to be safe, a 20-year old U.S. college student from Loudoun County, Virginia has gone missing.
Last Time Seen
The missing college student is Sudiksha Konanki, a junior at the University of Pittsburgh. She was first reported missing when she never returned from the beach.
According to the Dominican Republic National Police, Konanki was last seen on a surveillance camera with seven others, at the Riu República Hotel in Punta Cana just after 4am on Thursday, March 6th.
In the surveillance footage, she was seen drinking and going to the beach with five men and two women. At around 4:55am, surveillance footage recorded five women and one man leaving the beach, and Konanki was not with them.
However, around 8:55am, surveillance footage shows the man leaving the beach by himself.
When Konanki did not return to her room on Thursday, her friends reported her missing to hotel staff around 4pm.
While there were no signs of violence, Konaki's sarong style swimsuit cover-up was found on a lounge chair on the beach.
The Search Intensifies
Search efforts have intensified to air, sea, and land to try to find the missing student. According to the national police, a "high-level commision" has been formed by the Dominican Republic National Police, alongside the general prosecutor’s office, the FBI, and the international liaison of the US Embassy.
In a news conference, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader stated that authorities are investigating the disappearance as an "accident" and are conducting a "special search operation in the ocean".
“We are concerned,” he added. “All government agencies are searching.”
Person of Interest Named
A person of interest has been named in the investigation of Sudiksha Konanki's disappearance. It was confirmed on March 12th that 24-year old Joshua Riibe was named the person of interest, but no charges have been filed.
While Dominican authorities speculate she may have drowned after being caught in a wave, Loudoun County authorities have challenged this idea.
"There is no evidence or confirmation of a drowning at this time and the case is being aggressively investigated by U.S. law enforcement working with the Dominican national police, with support from assets here at home," the LSCO said in a statement.
The friend's of Konaki have been questioned, but no charges have been filed.
What We Know About Sudiksha Konanki
Konanki was visiting Punta Cana on spring break before her premed studies. Her family describes her as a bright, ambitious student who has plans to become a doctor.
The Konanki family is originally from India but have been in the U.S. since 2006. They are permanent residents of Loudoun County, Virginia.
Konanki's hometown is concerned and praying for her safe return.