An Indian-origin student of University of Pittsburgh, who was reported missing while on a trip to the Dominican Republic last week, is believed to have drowned in the ocean, ABC News reported. The student was identified as Sudiksha Konanki, 20, a legal permanent resident of the United States and an Indian citizen, was in Punta Cana with six other female students. She and one other person stayed on the beach while the rest of the group returned to their hotel on the night of 5 March, as per a police report cited by ABC News. Who is Sudiksha Konanki ? Sudiksha Konanki is currently a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, where she is studying biological sciences and chemistry, although her major has not been officially declared. Prior to university, Konanki graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in 2022, earning a diploma in biological sciences. Notably, Thomas Jefferson High School was ranked the No. 1 high school in America by US News & World Report in both 2021 and 2022. The disappearance of Konanki in the Dominican Republic has sparked growing concerns about potential kidnapping and human trafficking. Her father, Subbarayudu Konanki, has urged authorities to expand their investigation beyond the initial search in the water. The US State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Dominican Republic, warning travelers about violent crimes such as armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault. Visitors are advised to remain cautious and aware of their surroundings. As authorities work to locate Sudiksha, all possibilities, including abduction and trafficking, are being examined. The University of Pittsburgh and the Indian Embassy are collaborating to support the investigation and ensure her safe return, CNN reported. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin addressed the ongoing search for Sudiksha Konanki, stating that his administration was working closely with federal and local authorities. Posting on X , Youngkin wrote, "We are working closely with our federal and local partners as the search for Sudiksha Konanki continues." He also expressed his gratitude to Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman and @FBIDirectorKash for their ongoing efforts. "If anyone has information, please contact the numbers below," he added. My administration is working closely with federal and local partners as the search continues for Sudiksha Konanki. Thank you to Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman and @FBIDirectorKash for your ongoing efforts. If you have any information please reach out to the numbers below. pic.twitter.com/8Ddr1KsgbB — Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) March 10, 2025 Authorities say she and the person with her went for a swim but were pulled in by a strong wave. The last known footage of her, captured by security cameras, was around 4.50 am on 6 March, according to the report. Local police in the Dominican Republic have been investigating the incident. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Konanki and another student in the group were residents of Loudoun County, Virginia. Officials continue their search and investigation into the tragic incident. (with reports from agencies)
