FBI helps investigate disappearance of student in Punta Cana

The FBI has joined the search for a missing student in Punta Cana. Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, disappeared on March 6 while on spring break, Dominican authorities reported Tuesday.

The young woman was last seen on the beach in front of the Hotel Riu República during the early hours of the morning. According to the hotel, a power outage at that time prompted several guests to head to the coast, coinciding with the time of her disappearance. Dominican police have resumed interviews with the people who accompanied Konanki to clarify the events.

Her parents, Subbarayudu and Sreedevi, traveled to Punta Cana after learning of the student's disappearance and have asked authorities to expand their search efforts. The young woman, of Indian origin and a permanent resident of the U.S., traveled to the country on March 3 with five university classmates, according to her family.

Dominican President Luis Abinader expressed concern on Monday and noted that all government agencies are mobilized. “The latest information indicates that a wave may have swept her away,” he said, citing a witness report. Abinader defended the safety of the country, which receives more than 11 million tourists annually.

Efforts continue

The FBI's involvement increases the pressure to solve the case of Sudiksha Konanki's disappearance. Authorities are still analyzing leads, while uncertainty persists in this tourist destination.

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Sources: Associated Press