The search for 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh junior, has entered its fourth day after she vanished during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic.
Konanki was last seen in the early hours of March 6, entering the beach area of the RIU hotel in Punta Cana, according to the Dominican Republic National Police.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured her and five friends entering the beach around 4:15 a.m., but while her friends returned to the hotel, she did not.
Authorities were notified of her disappearance on March 8 and launched an extensive search by land, air, and sea, utilizing drones, helicopters, divers, boats, and canine units.
Dominican authorities have been interviewing Konanki’s friends, as well as a young man who was present at the beach around the time she disappeared. Investigators are working to corroborate his account while also analyzing security footage and cellphone data to track her last movements.
RIU Hotels expressed deep concern in a statement, confirming that they have been cooperating fully with authorities in the search effort. The hotel has also set up an internal communication channel across its five Punta Cana properties to ensure staff can share any relevant information.
Meanwhile, U.S. authorities, including the FBI and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, are assisting the investigation. Sheriff Michael Chapman confirmed that Konanki’s parents are traveling to Punta Cana, but they have chosen not to comment at this time.
The FBI has stated that while Dominican authorities are leading the investigation, they are prepared to assist with any requests. The U.S. State Department is also monitoring the case.
Authorities continue to search intensively, with hopes of locating Konanki or uncovering clues about her disappearance.
