Search intensifies for missing Pitt student Sudiksha Konanki as last person to see her gives conflicting accounts

The search for 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki has become more intense after she disappeared on March 6, 2025, during a spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. She was last spotted around the beach of the Riu República Resort early in the morning with 24-year-old Iowa tourist Joshua Steven Ribe.

Ribe, the last person known to have seen her, has made inconsistent accounts of what occurred prior to her vanishing. At first, Ribe said that he and Konanki swam but were swept by a big wave, implying that she drowned.

But later, he said that he fainted on the beach and, when he regained consciousness, she was nowhere to be found. Surveillance video has created more questions, with Ribe departing the beach by himself several hours later.

With no definitive proof of what occurred to Konanki, officials have widened the search efforts, and her family is advocating for a wider investigation into potential foul play.

The last individual to have seen Sudiksha Konanki has given conflicting accounts

Security tapes at the resort caught Konanki at about 4:15 a.m. on March 6 on the beach with a man who is now believed to be a prime witness in the case. The local authorities say he originally claimed that he and Sudiksha Konanki had swum out and were surprised by a huge wave; which raised suspicions that she had drowned. He then said that he got sick and blacked out. He gave a third version where he saw her walking away before falling asleep.

His story has many inconsistencies, so investigators have been further questioning him. More information has not been revealed by officials, but her family has expressed doubts over the credibility of his claims. The authorities are currently trying to substantiate his claims with evidence, including security footage, eyewitness accounts, and forensic tests on the beach terrain.

Authorities keep confirming witness accounts and reviewing security tapes

As part of the probe, authorities are checking security tapes, taking testimonies, and studying atmospheric conditions at the time Sudiksha Konanki went missing.

Investigators are currently trying to come up with a timeline of events and confirm his account of what transpired by the water. Officials are interviewing other resort guests and employees too to see if other people may have seen them together or observed anything out of the ordinary that evening.

The family has doubted the theory of drowning and demanded an extensive inquiry

The family of Sudiksha Konanki disbelieves the drowning scenario, reasoning her body would have turned up by now. Her father added she left behind her wallet and cell phone, something she always kept on her.

They suspect murder or abduction and reported a criminal case, appealing to Dominican officials to broaden the inquiry. They are also cooperating with U.S. officials in pushing for more help. The family maintains the case has to be pursued, lest vital time be lost if other options are not tried.

Multiple agencies and search teams are involved in the efforts to locate Sudiksha Konanki

The case has also drawn international interest, with several agencies being involved. The U.S. State Department, the FBI, and the Indian Embassy have partnered with the Dominican authorities to trace Konanki.

The University of Pittsburgh has also been in touch with the officials to lend support where needed. Rescuers have mounted aerial and seaborne search parties, ranging from drones and helicopters to divers.

Nothing significant has yet been found as of today, though the rescue operations remain underway. The authorities are studying security footage, analyzing forensic materials, and interrogating possible witnesses.

The case has received community support as fears continue to mount

Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance has profoundly influenced her university and hometown. Friends and classmates have held vigils, wanting for her safe return. The case has sparked worries about student safety while traveling overseas, with calls for stricter security measures.

Authorities continue inspecting multiple leads and urge anyone with news to come forward. With no discoveries yet, the search for Konanki stays continuing as officials work to determine what happened in her final known hours.

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew

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