Search Continues for Sudiksha Konanki in Dominican Republic, Clothing Found on Beach

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic – The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, has intensified after her clothing was discovered on a beach in Punta Cana, where authorities believe she may have drowned. Konanki, a legal permanent U.S. resident and Indian citizen, vanished early Thursday morning during a spring break trip with fellow students.  

According to police sources speaking to ABC News, Konanki’s clothes were found on a portable beach bed near the shoreline. The discovery comes as investigators piece together the events leading up to her disappearance.  

Konanki and a group of students, including a fellow Loudoun County, Virginia resident, had visited a nightclub Wednesday night. They proceeded to the beach around 4:00 a.m. Thursday. Security footage shows Konanki’s female companions returning to their hotel rooms by 5:55 a.m. However, Konanki remained on the beach with a male acquaintance.  

A Dominican Republic investigative police report indicates that the man told authorities he and Konanki went for a swim and were caught in a large wave. He stated that upon returning to the beach, he felt unwell, vomited, and fell asleep on a beach bed. When he awoke, Konanki was gone. Security footage confirms the man’s return to his hotel room at 9:55 a.m.  

Authorities have confirmed that the man is not considered a suspect, and the investigation is currently being treated as an accident. “Right now, the investigation is being treated as an accident,” stated the chief of the Civil Defense in the Dominican Republic.

Despite the lack of evidence of foul play, law enforcement has expanded the search perimeter, focusing on the beaches and waters surrounding the area. Three Dominican officials have indicated they believe Konanki drowned. The last confirmed sighting of Konanki on security footage was around 4:15 a.m. Thursday.  

The U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic alerted the Public Ministry on Friday, prompting a joint investigation involving the FBI, the U.S. Embassy, the Dominican National Police, and the Dominican Prosecutor’s office.  

Investigators are re-interviewing all involved parties, including hotel staff and the man who was with Konanki before her disappearance. Security camera footage from the group’s arrival is also being meticulously analyzed. Konanki’s friends, who were questioned by police, have not been charged with any crimes.  

The search for Sudiksha Konanki continues, with authorities remaining focused on locating her and determining the precise circumstances surrounding her disappearance.