Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic government has mobilized a massive search effort for Sudiksha Konanki, an Indian tourist who disappeared from the Riu Republica hotel in Punta Cana. National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira confirmed that all available resources have been deployed to locate the missing woman.
Konanki was last seen in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 6th, walking along the beach with Joshua Steven Ribe, a U.S. citizen also staying at the resort during Spring Break.
The investigation, involving forensic experts, continues to analyze surveillance camera footage and other evidence. Over 300 agents, including tactical units and aquatic search teams, have been deployed to the coastal area and surrounding regions.
Specialized teams from the National Police, the Attorney General's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Embassy are working in close coordination.
The leading hypothesis is that Konanki was swept away by strong ocean currents. Fernando Placeres, provincial president of the Dominican Red Cross in La Altagracia, indicated that ocean current analysis suggests her body could be near the Macao coast, close to the Roco Ki area.
The search operation includes the use of drones with thermal sensors, specialized boats, divers, and canine units. Despite these efforts, only personal belongings have been found on the beach.
Authorities have re-interviewed all individuals who had contact with Konanki, including hotel staff, friends, and Ribe. According to his testimony, he and Konanki were on the beach until the early morning, but he lost sight of her.
Security camera footage confirms that Konanki was on the beach with Ribe and other tourists, supporting the claim that there were no signs of violence or criminal activity before her disappearance. However, the FBI and the U.S. Embassy are conducting a technical analysis of the footage to ensure consistency with witness testimonies.
Authorities are maintaining constant coordination with national and international agencies involved in the search.
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