Indian-origin student on vacation goes missing in the Dominican Republic

New Delhi: Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-origin student from the University of Pittsburgh, has gone missing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, while on a spring break trip with classmates.

Local authorities, including the Defensa Civil search and rescue force, have expanded the search efforts by land and sea.

Konanki was last seen on CCTV footage walking towards the beach with seven others at the Riu Repubblica Hotel shortly after 4:15 a.m. on Thursday. A man was seen leaving the beach alone at 9:55 a.m., sparking further concern.

According to the police, Konanki was studying pre-med at the University of Pittsburgh and pursuing a degree in chemistry and biological sciences.

Originally from India, she has been residing in the US since 2006 with her family, who are permanent residents. Sudiksha’s father, Subbarayudu Konanki, confirmed the news to CNN and expressed his concern for his daughter’s safety.

A social media post detailed her physical description—standing 5 feet 3 inches tall, with dark hair and brown eyes. At the time of her disappearance, Sudiksha was wearing a brown bikini, large round earrings, anklets on her right leg, and various bracelets.

Her family and community members are actively sharing the information in hopes of locating her.