Missing Indian student Sudiksha Konanki's clothes found on Dominican beach where she vanished

Sudiksha Konanki

Clothing believed to belong to Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who went missing while on a spring break holiday in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, was found on a lounge chair at the beach where she vanished.

Sudiksha Konanki, was reported missing around 4 pm on March 6 by her group of five friends with whom she travelled to the Caribbean nation.

CDN obtained photos that showed a white netted sarong draped over the beach chair, as well as a pair of beige flip-flops covered with sand kept next to the leg of the sun lounger.

A clip from the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana shows Ms Konanki walking arm-in-arm with an unidentified man -- believed to be Mr Riibe -- along a resort pathway, accompanied by friends. She was seen wearing a white T-shirt, shorts, and her hair tied in a ponytail.

While Dominican authorities initially suspected drowning, Ms Konanki's father has urged investigators to explore other possibilities, like abduction. The family also finds it unusual that Ms Konanki's phone and wallet were left with her friends, as she always carried her phone with her.

Authorities have deployed drones and AI-assisted surveillance to scan the ocean, while Interpol has issued a 'yellow notice' for missing persons. The University of Pittsburgh said it is working with the FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security in the investigation.