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College Student Sudiksha Konanki Missing on Spring Break in Dominican Republic
Authorities are still putting together the pieces of Sudiksha Konanki's story.
After the University of Pittsburgh student went missing during a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic, local police have spoken with a man in connection to her disappearance, according to the Dominic Republic National Police.
The unnamed young man was at the beach with Konanki—an Indian citizen living with her family in Virginia—around the time she disappeared at 4:15 a.m. March 6 after she and her friends were seen on surveillance video entering the beach area of the RIU hotel in Punta Cana, according to NBC News. While her five friends returned from the area to the hotel around 5:55 a.m., the 20-year-old was not with them.
"It is reported that the young man who entered the waters of the aforementioned beach was interviewed during the investigation process," the police shared in a March 9 press release that was translated from Spanish, "which is why investigators are expanding the investigative process to corroborate the version that he offered in a preliminary manner."
The statement also emphasizes that the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Central Investigation Directorate (DICRIM) and Politur have been "interviewing several people, mainly the companions of the missing young woman" to "establish the exact location of the maritime search and its surroundings."
E! News has reached out to local officials for comment and has not heard back.
While three officials from the Dominican Republic involved in the investigation told ABC News that they believe Konanki—whose body has not been recovered—died by drowning, authorities in Loudoun County, Virginia, where her family lives, told NBC News that all avenues are currently being explored.
Cristina Arias/Cover/Getty Image
"This was the initial speculation in this case but other possibilities have been explored since Friday," Loudoun County Public Information Officer Thomas Julia said in a text message March 9. "We have an obligation to look at all possibilities, interview all parties and look at all phones that may provide info of value and are doing so."
"Right now, it runs the gamut from something accidental to foul play," he added. "It is all at this point under consideration. Nothing's been ruled out."
As the search for Konanki continues, the five students who traveled with the junior have stayed behind to aid in the search efforts instead of returning to the United States as scheduled, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office spokesperson confirmed.
Facebook/Defensa Civil La Altagracia
Meanwhile, the RIU Hotels told NBC News in a statement that it was “deeply concerned” regarding the disappearance of one of their guests.
"From the moment her absence was reported, we have been working closely with the local authorities, including the police and the navy, to conduct a thorough search," the hotel said. "We would
like to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
The statement concluded, “We are fully committed to doing everything in our power to assist in this situation."
Read on for a breakdown of the ongoing investigation.
(E! News and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.)
Facebook / Sudiksha Konanki
Where Did Sudiksha Konanki Travel to for Spring Break?
Sudiksha Konanki traveled to the Dominican Republic on March 3.
Facebook / Sudiksha Konanki
Who Did Sudiksha Konanki Travel With?
The 20-year-old headed to the Dominican Republic with five friends to celebrate the Universtiy of Pittsburgh's spring break.
Cristina Arias/Cover/Getty Image
Where Was Sudiksha Konanki Staying?
Konanki had been staying at the Hotel Riu Palace Punta Cana, an all-inclusive resort.
Following her disappearance, the hotel told NBC News, "We have been working closely with the local authorities, including the police and the navy, to conduct a thorough search. We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends during this incredibly difficult time … we are fully committed to doing everything in our power to assist in this situation."
TikTok/Sudiksha Konanki
When Was Sudiksha Konanki Reported Missing?
Konanki was reported missing on March 6 after her friends returned from a beach walk without her. It is believed to have disappeared between the hours of 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. that morning.
Facebook/Defensa Civil La Altagracia
When Did Search and Rescue Efforts Begin for Sudiksha Konanki?
Following her disappearance, local officials began an investigation. Local civil defense confirmed it had begun searches on land and by sea, while a spokesperson for the Sheriff's Officy in Loudoun County in Virigina—where Konanki was from—told NBC News investigations included obtaining video, going through cellphone evidence and talking to people who were with Konanki.
Facebook/Defensa Civil La Altagracia
What Do Officials Believe May Have Happened to Sudiksha Konanki?
On March 9, officials told ABC News they believe Konanki died by drowning.
According to a police report, cited by ABC News, during the walk on the beach, most of the group decided to go back to the hotel at some point during the night while one friend remained with Konanki. The pair reportedly decided to go for a swim, and the police report notes the pair were caught by a big wave.
Officials reportedly said the friends who had been with Konanki were questioned by police but had not been charged with anything.
Facebook/Defensa Civil La Altagracia
What Has Sudiksha Konanki’s Family Said About the Case?
Following Konanki’s disappearance, her father Subbarayudu Konanki told CNN his daughter had been traveling before beginning pre-med studies.
“My daughter is a very nice girl," he said. "She’s ambitious. She wanted to pursue a career in medicine.”
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