Authorities are conducting a comprehensive search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old woman from Loudoun County, Virginia, who went missing during a trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The search is a collaborative effort involving both U.S. and Dominican law enforcement agencies.

Details of the Disappearance

Konanki was last seen early on March 6, at approximately 4:50 a.m. near the beach of the RIU Republica Resort. She is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. At the time she disappeared, Sudiksha was wearing a brown two-piece bikini along with distinctive jewelry:

• Large round earrings
• A metal designer anklet on her right leg
• Yellow and steel bracelets on her right hand
• A multicolored beaded bracelet on her left hand

Search Efforts and Involvement

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they received reports regarding Konanki’s disappearance on the evening of March 6. Authorities immediately coordinated with federal law enforcement, the U.S. State Department, and Dominican contacts to facilitate an investigation.

In a statement, a spokesperson from the University of Pittsburgh, where Konanki is a student, mentioned, “University officials are in contact with Sudiksha Konanki’s family as well as authorities in Loudoun County, Virginia, and we have offered our full support in their efforts to find her and bring her home safely.”

The Embassy of India in the Dominican Republic has also stepped in to assist the search, collaborating with local authorities and the U.S. State Department.

Ongoing Search Operations

Search operations are being conducted by various agencies including:

• Dominican Civil Defense
• Local Firefighters
• Dominican Navy
• National Police
• Politur (Tourist Police)

According to Fernando Castillo, the director of the Dominican Civil Defense division in the area, the search teams have been mobilized since Saturday morning, with efforts set to resume at 6 a.m. the following day.

Contact Information for Tips

The search authorities are requesting anyone who may have information regarding Sudiksha Konanki’s whereabouts to reach out to local police in the Dominican Republic at +1 (829) 618-7635 or the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at +1 (703) 777-1021.