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PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic – Authorities investigating the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki are expanding their search effort as Thursday marks one week since the 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh junior vanished from a Punta Cana resort.
Her whereabouts remain unknown, and officials say they are working a missing persons case and not a criminal investigation, but they have left open all possibilities.
The Dominican Republic’s top prosecutor said Wednesday that her office is considering the possibility that something “beyond a possible accidental event” has taken place, and experts say the probe will likely examine competing theories until investigators come up with answers.
Authorities are now searching additional neighboring beaches as well as on land with 300 officers, search dogs, boats, two helicopters and other resources, Fox News Digital has confirmed. Other assets include both navy and local divers, drones and a topographical aircraft.
Sudiksha Konanki was last seen in the early morning hours of March 6. (Facebook)
Reynoso’s office said late Wednesday that the search had expanded up the coast into neighboring beaches, Uvero Alto-Macao, Macao-Playa Arena Gorda, and Cortecito-Playa Arena Gorda. Civil Defense forces and firefighters have joined the effort.
Police have spent days searching the coastline with boats, dive teams and helicopters.
Beach loungers sit on the sand by the sea at the RIU Republica Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Sudiksha Konanki, 20, was last seen on March 6 on a beach outside the five-star RIU Republica Resort in the Dominican Republic. (Santiago Baez for Fox News Digital)
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) said in a Tuesday statement 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.