Authorities in the Dominican Republic and the United States are intensifying efforts to locate Ms Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who disappeared while holidaying in Punta Cana.
Ms Konanki, a permanent US resident and Indian citizen, was last seen on March 6 near her resort’s beach, reported ABC News.
She had travelled with five college friends and was last spotted around 4am, after a night out at a nightclub.
Surveillance footage showed most of her friends returning to their rooms at 5.55am, but Ms Konanki remained on the beach with 24-year-old American tourist Joshua Steven Ribe.
Mr Ribe later told investigators that they went for a swim and were caught in strong waves. He claimed he vomited, passed out on a lounge chair, and woke up to find Ms Konanki missing. Security cameras recorded him returning to his hotel room at 8.55am.
Despite his inconsistent statements, Mr Ribe is not considered a suspect and is cooperating with investigators, according to Dominican National Police spokesman Diego Pesqueira.
However, Ms Konanki’s family believes she may have been kidnapped, questioning why her body has not washed ashore if she drowned, reported India Today.
Her clothes were found on a portable beach chair near the water, but her phone and wallet remained with her friends, which her father, Mr Subbarayudu Konanki, said was unusual behaviour.
Authorities have deployed drones, helicopters, boats and scuba divers to search the coastline. The Dominican Civil Defence, National Police and Navy, alongside US federal agencies including the FBI, DEA and Homeland Security Investigations, are involved in the efforts.
Dominican officials say they suspect drowning, but Ms Konanki’s father has requested an expanded investigation.
“If she was in the water, she should have washed up by now. If she’s not in the ocean, where is she?” said family friend Ramprakash Krishnamanaidu.
The University of Pittsburgh community has expressed deep concern, with students calling for answers. “No one expects their loved one to go on vacation and not return,” said student Halley Katz.
As the search continued on Wednesday, authorities were reviewing surveillance footage from nearby resorts and interrogating multiple witnesses, hoping to solve the mystery of Ms Konanki’s disappearance.
