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The Dominican Republic resort where University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki went missing last week experienced a lengthy power outage just hours before Konanki vanished, the resort company and guests told Fox News Digital.
Konanki, a 20-year-old Virginia resident, was seen for the last time after 4 a.m. on March 6, apparently walking on the beach outside the RIU Republica Resort in Punta Cana, according to authorities and a flyer being circulated online.
Less than two hours before the University of Pittsburgh student disappeared, power was restored at the five-star, adults-only RIU Republica, where she was staying with five female friends, following an approximately 22-hour outage.
“[T]he electrical issue started on Wednesday [March] 5 at 1 AM. But the same was solved on Thursday [March] 6 at 3 AM, so when the guests went to the beach past 4 AM, the electricity had already recovered hours ago. So one thing has nothing to do with the other,” RIU Hotels told Fox News Digital in a statement, presumably referring to Konanki’s disappearance and the outage.
The FBI and Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia are involved in the search for the missing Pitt student. All of the friends she traveled with have been accounted for.
“The ongoing investigation includes wide-ranging search efforts, along with a review of surveillance video and telephone records,” the sheriff’s office said in a Monday press release. “Interviews are also continuing with anyone who may have seen or been with Konanki before she went missing. The LCSO has filed for a Yellow Notice (worldwide police alert for a missing person) to be issued by INTERPOL.”

One report suggested Konanki drowned in the ocean in Punta Cana after getting swept up by a big wave. (AP/Francesco Spotorno)
The sheriff’s office added that “[t]here has been considerable public speculation about what may have happened to Konanki and who may be involved.”
“We caution anyone from drawing any unsubstantiated conclusions and are committed to ensuring that a thorough investigation is conducted before any conclusions are reached,” they said in a news release. “The LCSO is hopeful for the safe return of Sudiksha Konanki, and we are committed to supporting this investigation and her family in every way possible.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the LCSO at 703-777-1021. To remain anonymous, call the Loudoun Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919.Â