The mysterious disappearance of 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki in Punta Cana has triggered scrutiny over the RIU Republica resort’s responsibilities. Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh junior, was last seen in the early hours of March 6 after consuming alcohol with friends and choosing to swim despite rough sea warnings.
She reportedly entered the water with Joshua Riibe, 22, from Iowa. Riibe informed local police that a powerful wave struck them, separating the two, and that was the final moment he saw her. The beach displayed red-flag warnings, cautioning against swimming due to hazardous conditions.
Adding to concerns, a widespread power outage had affected the resort for nearly 25 hours prior to her disappearance, leaving some guests without lights, Wi-Fi, or charged devices. Though the resort insists the outage and incident are unrelated, questions are now being raised about the adequacy of security, beach safety protocols, and lighting conditions.
Legal experts suggest that unless it is proven the hotel acted carelessly—such as failing to enforce safety regulations or provide visible warnings—the resort may not be held liable. Conversely, if guests disregarded posted warnings and swam after hours without supervision, responsibility may not fall on the resort.
Former FBI official Chris Swecker notes liability could still be argued if insufficient security or lighting contributed to unsafe conditions.
Search efforts, involving military personnel, are ongoing, but no trace of Konanki has surfaced yet.
Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities.
Remains of missing student discovered in wells, police launch murder investigation
Parents force daughter to choose arts after missing 400 by one mark
#PuntaCana #SudikshaKonanki #ResortSafety #MissingPersonAlert