On March 6, 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a student at the University of Pittsburgh, was reported missing when on a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic. She was last seen entering the beach at the RIU hotel in Punta Cana, where she had been staying with five other college friends, reported Fox News. Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, but as of now, her whereabouts remain unknown.

According to ABC News, following a night at a nightclub last Wednesday—the day before she went missing—Konanki and her group of friends made their way to the beach around 4 a.m., Thursday morning. Meanwhile, the other women who were with her headed back to their hotel at around 5:45 a.m., where security footage captured them returning to their rooms. All of her friends returned to the hotel safe and sound, but Konanki never made it back to her room. 

As reported by 10 WJAR, “The LCSO is working closely with our federal partners in the U.S. Department of State, FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as well as the University of Pittsburgh police in support of the ongoing investigation by the Dominican National Police.” 

An extensive search has been launched by both, sea, land and air, “using drones, helicopters, divers, boats and canine units.” reported NBC News. In addition, ground efforts are being made to locate her, with flyers featuring her photo being distributed all throughout the area. These flyers aim to encourage anyone to assist in the search. 

According to NBC News, the hotel Konanki stayed out issued a statement. “From the moment her absence was reported, we have been working closely with the local authorities, including the police and the navy, to conduct a thorough search,” the Hotel said. “We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends during this incredibly difficult time…we are fully committed to doing everything in our power to assist in this situation.” 

The Hotel further announced that it is assisting with the ongoing search and has set up an internal communication system to enable employees at its five Punta Cana locations to exchange information with hotel management and law enforcement. 

Konanki’s father, Subbarayudu Konanki, requested that “the authorities take immediate steps to investigate not only the possibility of an accidental drowning, but also the possibility of a kidnapping or foul play.” Konanki’’ parents are headed to Punta Cana to help with the search and meet with those who are on the lookout for their daughter.  

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have recently discovered clothing believed to belong to Konanki on a beach, near the area where she was last seen before going for a swim, sources familiar with the investigation told ABC News on Monday. The clothes were found beside a portable beach bed, but there was no indication of foul play according to officials.

A man who had been with Konani on the beach reportedly stayed behind while she went for a swim, as outlined in an investigative report. The man, who has not been named, told the police that both he and Konanki were caught by a large wave while swimming. He claimed that after returning to the shore, he felt unwell and fell asleep on a beach bed. When he awoke, Konanki was no longer there. 

Security footage placed the man returning to his hotel at 9:55 A.M., according to the sources. Despite his proximity to the incident, he is not currently considered a suspect in Konanki’s disappearance, the Chief of the Civil Defense in the Dominican Republic confirmed. 

According to ABC News, at this stage, “the investigation is being treated as an accident.” 

As stated by CTV News, some believe she drowned, but they won’t be able to confirm this theory, as the body doesn’t surface for several days after a drowning. Others believe that something else must have happened to her.