Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-origin student from the University of Pittsburgh, has been reported missing in the Dominican Republic. As per the Dominican Civil Defense, Konanki was last seen on March 6 while walking along the beach near the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana.
Who is Sudiksha Konanki?
Sudiksha Konanki, a resident of Loudoun County, Virginia, is a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh who went missing during a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic. She was traveling with a group of six female Pittsburgh students, including another resident from Loudoun County.
According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), the group had been together when Konanki disappeared.
“Our office was contacted on Thursday evening about a missing female from Loudoun County who was with a group of other people traveling in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana specifically,” an LCSO spokesperson told the New York Post.
An online missing persons report describes Konanki as 5 feet 3 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a brown bikini, large round earrings, a metal designer anklet on her right leg, yellow and steel bracelets on her right wrist, and a multicolored beaded bracelet on her left wrist.
The missing person poster pleads for assistance, stating: “We need your help to spread the word! If you are in the area, can assist with the search, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please come forward. The more people aware, the greater the chances of bringing her home safely.”
The search for Konanki commenced early on March 8 but was unsuccessful. Authorities resumed their efforts at 6 a.m. on March 9, deploying drones and helicopters provided by the Dominican Armed Forces.
Konanki is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia. She is currently pursuing her studies at the University of Pittsburgh, with an expected graduation in 2026, according to her LinkedIn profile.
The University of Pittsburgh released a statement expressing their full support in assisting Konanki’s family and local authorities in the search efforts.
University officials are in communication with Sudiksha Konanki’s family and authorities in Loudoun County, Virginia, and we have extended our full support in their efforts to locate her and ensure her safe return,” University of Pittsburgh spokesperson Jared Stonesifer told the New York Post.
