According to a letter from a police source released on Monday, the parents of an Indian student who attended a U.S. college and went missing from a popular Dominican Republic tourist resort earlier this month have asked for police to declare their child legally dead.

The investigation remains open.

Sudiksha, a pre-med student from the University of Pittsburgh aged 20 went missing in Punta Cana on 6 March, two days before an International Day of Women's Rights.

Konanki arrived in the Caribbean nation just three days before and was staying at an upscale hotel along the east coast. In early morning surveillance footage, she was seen walking to a nearby beach with friends.

The letter stated that "Following extensive searches, Dominican authorities concluded that Sudiksha was believed to have drowned...the individual last seen with Sudiksha has cooperated with the investigation and no evidence of foulplay has been found."

It added: "Given the circumstances and after much consideration, we request that police proceed with the legal declaraion of her death."

The Indian Embassy in Dominican Republic announced that it would "extend all assistance, in coordination with the government authorities" shortly after Konanki disappeared, which prompted an Interpol alert.

In response to a question about the investigation during a press conference held on Monday, Luis Abinader, the president of the country, said that local authorities worked with US officials, including the FBI.

He said, "The investigation continues." "We are confident that the investigation will be completed in due course."

Last year, the Dominican Republic welcomed over 11 million visitors - almost as many as its population - making it the most popular destination in the Americas.

The FBI reminded spring breakers to be alert on Monday. Reporting by Paul Mathiasen, Dominican Republic; Sarah Morland, Mexico City. Editing by Nia William.

(source: Reuters)