In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, efforts to locate Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who went missing from a resort a week ago, are being intensified by authorities.
Despite ongoing searches, her current location is still unknown. Officials clarify that they are treating this as a missing person case and are exploring all potential scenarios.
The Dominican Republic’s chief prosecutor revealed on Wednesday that they are not ruling out the possibility of something more than an accidental incident. As investigations continue, various theories will be assessed until clarity is achieved.
Authorities are now searching additional neighboring beaches as well as on land with 300 officers, search dogs, boats, two helicopters and other resources, Fox News Digital has confirmed. Other assets include both navy and local divers, drones and a topographical aircraft.
Sudiksha Konanki was last seen in the early morning hours of March 6. (Facebook)
Reynoso’s office said late Wednesday that the search had expanded up the coast into neighboring beaches, Uvero Alto-Macao, Macao-Playa Arena Gorda, and Cortecito-Playa Arena Gorda. Civil Defense forces and firefighters have joined the effort.
Police have spent days searching the coastline with boats, dive teams and helicopters.
Beach loungers sit on the sand by the sea at the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Santiago Baez for Fox News Digital)
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) said in a Tuesday statement that “[t]here has been considerable public speculation about what may have happened to Konanki and who may be involved.”
“We caution anyone from drawing any unsubstantiated conclusions and are committed to ensuring that a thorough investigation is conducted before any conclusions are reached,” they said in a news release. “The LCSO is hopeful for the safe return of Sudiksha Konanki, and we are committed to supporting this investigation and her family in every way possible.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the LCSO at 703-777-1021. To remain anonymous, call the Loudoun Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919.
