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An "exhaustive" international search involving the US and Dominican Republic officials has been launched for Chantilly native Sudiksha Konanki, 20, who has not been heard from since last week.
Konanki was reported missing on Thursday, March 6, while vacationing with five friends at a resort in Punta Cana, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
Konanki, a citizen of India and permanent US resident, has not been seen since around 4:15 a.m. that morning.
The hunt for Konanki has involved both ground and sea searches by concerned citizens in the area, as well as helicopter crews and divers who have canvassed the area for several days.
The helicopter searching for Konanki in the Dominican Republic.
Dogs were also called in to aid the search on Monday, March 10.
According to a WTAE report, Konanki's father is calling for a wider search effort as the family plans to head to the Dominican Republic.
“It’s four days, and if she was in water, she would likely have been strewn to shore,” Subbarayudu Konanki, her father, told WTOP-FM, the report states. “She’s not found, so we’re asking them to investigate multiple options, like kidnapping or abduction.”
The search for Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic.
Loudoun County deputies are working with federal partners, including the US Department of State, FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security Investigations, as well as the University of Pittsburgh Police, to assist the Dominican National Police in the search, officials said.
"All of Virginia is praying for the safe return of Loudoun County resident Sudiksha Konanki," Virginia AG Jason Miyares said.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about her disappearance to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office at 703-777-1021.
Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call Loudoun Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919.
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