A 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, Sudiksha Konanki, has disappeared while vacationing in the Dominican Republic with her friends. Officials suspect she may have been pulled under by strong tides, but her family fears a possible abduction and is demanding a broader investigation.

Konanki, who studies biological sciences and chemistry, was on a getaway with six companions, staying at the Riu Republica Hotel in Punta Cana. On March 6, she was last seen at 4:50 a.m., after choosing to remain on the shoreline with another friend while the rest of the group returned to their lodging. When she failed to show up, her friends alerted authorities by 4 p.m.

Search operations involving helicopters and marine patrols have been underway, yet no substantial clues have emerged. The Indian Embassy, Pittsburgh University, and U.S. officials are actively coordinating efforts to locate her.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has reiterated its Level 2 travel alert for the Dominican Republic, urging travelers to stay vigilant due to rising crimin

al activities in the region.

With no solid leads, Konanki’s family continues to plead for answers, urging investigators to look beyond a drowning incident and explore all potential scenarios.