A University of Pittsburgh student, Sudiksha Konanki, went missing during her spring break trip to the Dominican Republic, stirring concern among family, friends, and authorities. The 20-year-old woman was last seen around 4:50 AM on March 6, 2025, on the beach of the Riu Republica Resort located in Punta Cana.
Witnesses reported seeing Konanki, who is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, with brown eyes and black hair, wearing a brown two-piece bikini, large round earrings, and several bracelets at the time of her disappearance. Her accessories included a designer anklet on her right leg, as well as multicolored bracelets on her wrists, which make her appearance distinctive as authorities continue to search for her.
The Indian national and city resident of Chantilly, Virginia, was vacationing with five other students from the University of Pittsburgh. According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Konanki was last seen walking the beach at the resort when she failed to return to her accommodations later.
Authorities have been mobilizing substantial resources to locate Konanki, including local police, the Dominican Republic's Civil Defense, and the Indian embassy, which has been instrumental in coordinating the search operations. The Human Rights Commission of the Dominican Republic issued statements detailing their commitment to utilizing all possible resources to aid the search.
"Our office is supporting those efforts and continuing to investigate locally," stated a spokesperson from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, emphasizing the collaborative effort among local and international officials. Since the news broke, numerous volunteers have also joined the official search parties, combing the nearby beaches and surrounding areas.
The university has expressed great concern for Konanki’s well-being, stating: "University officials are in contact with Sudiksha Konanki’s family as well as authorities... and we have offered our full support to find her and bring her home safely." This support extends to working alongside the Indian embassy and law enforcement from both the U.S. and Dominican authorities.
Officials began the ground search early on March 8, deploying various search efforts, including specialized drones and aircraft to cover more extensive areas. The international search for Konanki highlights not only her disappearance but also prompts discussions about the safety of students traveling abroad. A recent travel advisory from the U.S. State Department highlighted safety threats within the country, advising travelers to exercise heightened caution due to crime.
This alarming case has captured attention across social media platforms, drawing messages of hope and support from people around the world. Community members, including fellow university students and residents of Virginia, have expressed heartfelt concerns and solidarity through various online campaigns advocating for the search and swift resolution of her disappearance.
From barricaded beaches to rampant search operations filled with volunteers, the urgency for information grows as many hope for her safe return. The probe continues as law enforcement examines every lead available, and friends, family, and law enforcement remain hopeful for positive news.
The vibrant resort town of Punta Cana, known for its tropical allure and appealing vacation spots, has turned somber as authorities recourse to searching for the missing student. People on social media speculate about her disappearance’s circumstances, reminding everyone of the importance of safety precautions when traveling alone or as part of group excursions during vacation.
Friends close to Sudiksha Konanki urge anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward, reiteratively asking, "Even the smallest detail might help!" The urgency expressed by her loved ones resonates deeply, emphasizing the need for community efforts to reunite families parted by unforeseen circumstances.
Meanwhile, the search remains unresolved as authorities continue their investigative efforts around the clock, sending the message to tourists and community members alike: safety should always be the primary concern wherever one wanders.
Authorities are committed to continuing the search and appeal to the public to share potential leads with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. Updates are expected as authorities navigate this challenging case, with encouraging developments hoped for as search operations progress.