Konanki Family Requests Death Declaration Amid Punta Cana Search
The grieving parents of Sudiksha Konanki have asked Dominican authorities to formally declare their daughter dead, according to a source with direct knowledge of the investigation.
This request comes 11 days after the 20-year-old student disappeared while on spring break in Punta Cana.
Background of the Disappearance
Sudiksha Konanki vanished in the early hours of March 6 from the Riu Republica resort.
Her disappearance triggered an extensive multi-agency search, despite initial warnings from authorities that drowning in the rough surf was probable.
Family’s Formal Request and Cooperation
The source revealed that Sudiksha’s parents, Subbarayudu and SreeDevi, have submitted a written request to the National Police for a “legal declaration of death.”
- The family indicated their trust in the ongoing investigation.
- They also noted that Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with Sudiksha, has fully cooperated with the police.
- The family believes there is no indication of any foul play.
Reportedly, specific legal procedures must be followed to process the family’s request. The family has expressed a willingness to comply with all necessary formalities.
Timeline of Events
The parents last communicated with their daughter during an 8 p.m. phone call on March 5.
Riibe was last seen with Sudiksha shortly before 5 a.m. on March 6 after drinking with friends on the beach.
Riibe told police that the pair went for a swim and were hit by a large wave. He claimed he used lifeguard training to bring her toward the shore, but she disappeared in waist-deep water.
Initial Search Efforts and Concerns
Initially, the parents appealed to authorities to broaden the search area and consider the possibility of kidnapping.
Subbarayudu wrote in a statement to police, “It’s four days, and if she was in the water, she likely would have been strewn to shore.” He added, “She’s not found, so we’re asking them to investigate multiple options, like kidnapping or abduction.”
Key Details from Surveillance Footage
- Surveillance footage showed Riibe and Konanki at a bar at 4:05 a.m. on March 6 before walking to the beach.
- A second camera captured Riibe with his arm around Konanki around 4:15 a.m.
- At approximately 4:55 a.m., camera footage showed two of her friends returning to the hotel.
Evidence and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities believe Sudiksha was likely wearing a sarong and flip-flops that were later found on a beach chair. Images of the belongings were shared online.
Authorities confirmed to local media that there was no evidence of tampering with her belongings.
Agustín Morillo Rodríguez, general commander of the Dominican Republic Navy, stated that the search operation was one of the largest for a missing person.