Dominican authorities intensify search for missing tourist in Punta Cana

Punta Cana.- Dominican authorities are intensifying their search for Sudiksha Konanki Chowdary, a 20-year-old tourist from India residing in the U.S., who went missing in Punta Cana. The National Police (PN) and Public Ministry (MP) are leading the investigation, focusing on her last known location at the Riu Punta Cana hotel beach. She was last seen on March 6, entering the beach area with a friend, who is now under investigation. Chowdary had arrived in the country on March 3 with five friends.

Security footage captured her heading toward the beach, but her whereabouts became unknown shortly after. On March 7, the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic alerted local authorities, prompting an extensive search operation. The effort includes aerial, maritime, and land searches using drones, helicopters, boats, divers, and canine units. Multiple agencies, including the Central Investigation Directorate (DICRIM) and Politur, have conducted interviews with her companions and other witnesses.

The Dominican Republic Air Force (FARD), Navy, Civil Defense, Fire Department, and hotel staff are assisting in the search. Authorities remain committed to expanding the investigation and will provide updates as they work to determine what happened and locate Chowdary.