A spring break trip turned into a terrifying mystery as Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian national from Chantilly, Virginia, went missing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Konanki was last seen on March 6, 2023, during a vacation with five friends at the Riu Republic Resort. Her absence was not reported until approximately 4 p.m. the same day, nearly twelve hours after she was last observed by her peers.
Surveillance footage captured Konanki and her friends enjoying their night at a disco in the upscale resort around 3 a.m. The group departed the venue an hour later and was seen heading to the beach. They remained there until 5:50 a.m., when they left Konanki and another friend, Joshua Steven Ribe, alone.
Ribe, who was reportedly the last person to see Konanki alive, provided conflicting accounts of the events that followed. He stated to police that he felt ill from the surf and returned to shore. In one version, Ribe claimed he last saw Konanki in knee-deep water before he passed out on the beach.
The search for Konanki is ongoing, with extensive efforts involving boats, aircraft, and ATVs canvassing both sea and land. Despite these efforts, Juan Salas, director of The Dominican Republic’s civil defense, remarked that the likelihood of finding Konanki alive is "minimal."
"Minimal" – Juan Salas, the director of The Dominican Republic’s civil defense
Konanki's father, Subbarayudu Konanki, has expressed his concern over his daughter's disappearance, emphasizing his "growing suspicion" of foul play. He has filed a formal complaint seeking broader search efforts and has urged authorities to consider possibilities beyond an accident.
"Growing suspicion" – Subbarayudu Konanki, the father of the missing student
"She’s not found, so we’re asking them to investigate multiple options, like kidnapping or abduction" – Subbarayudu Konanki, the father of the missing student
The sheriff's office in Loudoun County, Virginia, confirmed that Konanki was vacationing with five other female students from Pitt. Her disappearance has left her family and friends distraught as they await updates from law enforcement and search teams.
Efforts continue to locate Konanki amid mounting concerns for her safety. Authorities remain committed to uncovering details surrounding her disappearance and are exploring various leads to determine her whereabouts.
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