Investigation Continues into Disappearance of Student Sudiksha…

Authorities are investigating the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki from Punta Cana, where she was last seen on March 6. Joshua Riibe, an Iowa resident, is a person of interest, not a suspect. Investigation efforts include witness interviews and surveillance review, with collaboration between U.S. and Dominican officials.

Authorities from both the Dominican Republic and the United States are investigating the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a student at the University of Pittsburgh, who was last seen on March 6 at a Punta Cana beach. Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old Iowa resident, has been identified as a person of interest in the case, although officials clarified he is not currently regarded as a suspect. This determination was made in conjunction with the FBI, emphasizing the investigation is not categorized as criminal at this moment.

Riibe was reportedly on vacation in Punta Cana but did not travel with Konanki’s group. According to a spokesperson from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, he is of significant interest as he may have been the last individual to see Konanki prior to her disappearance. Investigators from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office plan ongoing presence in the Dominican Republic and are collaborating with the FBI as the investigation unfolds.

Dominican authorities have been actively reviewing surveillance footage and have conducted extensive search operations across various terrains. Although the police in the Dominican Republic have not publicized information identifying Riibe, he has been noted as having been part of the last group seen with Konanki.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old pre-med student, arrived in the Dominican Republic on March 3 accompanied by her five female friends. Police confirmed she was last seen walking towards the beach shortly after 4:15 a.m. on March 6. A young man who spent time in the ocean with her has also been interviewed by authorities, who seek to verify his account of the incident.

Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud State University, reportedly appears in surveillance footage walking toward the beach with Konanki around the time she was last seen. Subsequent footage reveals that the majority of their group returned to their accommodations by 5:55 a.m., leaving Riibe and Konanki alone. Riibe is later observed returning to the hotel alone at 8:54 a.m., according to reports from local media.

In summary, Sudiksha Konanki’s ongoing disappearance has prompted an intense investigation involving multiple jurisdictions. Joshua Riibe has been designated a person of interest due to his association with the case, although he is not considered a suspect. Surveillance footage and witness interviews are key components of the investigative efforts as authorities strive to resolve the situation and locate Konanki.

Original Source: cbs2iowa.com