Missing Student's Disappearance Baffles Dominican Republic

2025-03-09 18:00:59.012

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from Virginia, went missing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, while on spring break with classmates. She was last seen around 4:50 a.m. on Thursday walking on the beach near the Riu Republica Resort wearing a brown bikini and distinctive jewelry. Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office was contacted on Thursday evening and is working with authorities in the Dominican Republic. A search, involving Defensa Civil, a Dominican Republic search and rescue force, began on Saturday and continued into Sunday. The University of Pittsburgh is also supporting the family and cooperating with authorities. Konanki is described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.