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The Dominican Republic National Police, in coordination with the Attorney General’s Office, FBI, and the US Embassy Liaison, has expanded their investigation into the disappearance of 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student from Chantilly who went missing on Thursday, March 6 while on a trip with friends in Punta Cana.
Officials confirmed that Konanki, a citizen of India and permanent US resident, was last seen at 4:15 a.m. on March 6 and that surveillance footage captured her and her friend just feet away from the entrance to the beach area before she disappeared.
As part of the expanded investigation, authorities are re-interviewing key individuals, including hotel employees, to verify Konanki’s movements and interactions leading up to her disappearance.
Forensic specialists are also conducting a comprehensive review of security footage, tracking images from the time Konanki and her group arrived in the country on March 3 to the present.
Officials say all available resources are being allocated to ensure the search's effectiveness, including specialized marine search teams combing coastal areas.
Dogs were also called in to aid the search on Monday, March 10.
The helicopter searching for Konanki in the Dominican Republic.
The investigation has also expanded through international cooperation efforts, with the FBI increasing its role in the case alongside the Dominican Army, Navy, Air Force, Civil Defense, and other emergency response agencies.
Meanwhile, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has filed for a Yellow Notice through INTERPOL, which would issue a worldwide police alert regarding Konanki’s disappearance.
Konanki’s father, Subbarayudu Konanki, has called for a broader search effort, saying he fears she may have been kidnapped or abducted and urging authorities to investigate multiple possibilities.
Authorities have cautioned the public against speculating on unverified information, emphasizing that the investigation remains ongoing.
The Dominican Republic National Police says it will provide daily updates on the case as search efforts continue.
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.
"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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