Here’s the latest comprehensive update on the chaotic conditions at the Dominican resort and the mysterious disappearance of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki:
🏨 Chaos at the Resort Before Her Disappearance
Guests reported extended power and water outages at the adults-only RIU Republica resort in Punta Cana in the days before March 6. One traveler described “about 24 hours” without electricity or running water, forcing visitors to stay around pools and public areas to cool off and charge phones .
The resort ultimately confirmed a 25-hour power outage, partially resolved hours before Sudiksha was last seen. Common areas regained power, but many guest rooms remained offline .
These outages didn’t just affect comfort—they caused chaos: overcrowded lobbies, broken room key systems, minimal lighting on the beach, and confusing circumstances. As one guest told Fox News, “The night that she did disappear was … so chaotic” . Another added, “The power going out … people were acting … not normal” .
Timeline & Investigation Highlights
Last confirmed sighting: Surveillance footage captured Konanki around 4 a.m. on March 6 walking from the hotel bar toward the beach with a group of friends .
She remained on the beach with 22-year-old Joshua Steven Riibe, an American she reportedly met during the trip. He later told investigators they were caught in a wave; he saved her, vomited from the seawater, lost consciousness, and awoke to find her gone .
Search operations: Massive search efforts across sea, land, and air have been conducted—using drones, boats, and helicopters—with no trace of Sudiksha .
Family’s Position & Official Findings
Initial stance: Sudiksha’s parents publicly asked Dominican authorities to consider kidnapping or foul play and sought to have her legally declared dead to begin grieving .
Shift in perspective: Exams of coastal conditions and lack of evidence shifted both Dominican and U.S. authorities to favor the possibility of drowning in hazardous surf. The family has since accepted this view and supports releasing Riibe, who was previously considered a person of interest .
Legal process: Despite intense search efforts and public attention, Sudiksha’s body has not been recovered. Her parents have formally petitioned for her to be declared legally deceased in order to gain closure . However, Dominican law requires a body or a four-year period before declaring someone deceased .
🔎 Key Takeaways
Issue Details
Resort chaos Power & water cuts led to crowding, broken systems, and poor lightingcreating confusion the night she vanished.
Last moments Surveillance shows a beach walk with one companion amid rough surf in pre-dawn darkness.
Official conclusion Authorities now lean toward an accidental drowning due to hazardous conditions, though no body was found.
Family’s stance Parents initially suspected foul play, later shifted to drowning theory, and seek legal declaration to grieve.
This remains an ongoing investigation. Agencies like the FBI and Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office are still analyzing video, phone records, and witness accounts .
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