Joshua Riibe Seeks Release in Sudiksha Konanki Case as Custody Continues
Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with Sudiksha Konanki, is asking for release from custody in the Dominican Republic, claiming he has not been charged with any crime. Despite being a ‘person of interest,’ police have confiscated his passport, leaving him under supervision. Sudiksha Konanki was last seen on a beach on March 6, and surveillance footage shows their last moments prior to her disappearance while Riibe’s statements remain inconsistent.
Joshua Riibe, identified as the last person to have seen missing Indian-American student Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic, has stated that he must be allowed to return home. Mr. Riibe has been held for questioning by police over the past several days but has not been officially charged or recognized as a suspect in the ongoing investigation.
Riibe’s attorney, Beatriz Santana, filed a motion arguing for his release, emphasizing that he cannot be detained any longer without charges, as reported by the New York Times. Despite this, authorities have confiscated his passport, and he is currently confined to a hotel under police supervision, although he reportedly cannot leave freely.
Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student from Virginia, was last seen at a Punta Cana beach on March 6. She was on a spring break vacation with five friends, including Mr. Riibe, who met the group at the resort. Surveillance footage indicates the group arrived at the beach around 4:15 AM, with Konanki remaining alone with Riibe by 5:50 AM.
Recent surveillance footage also captures Konanki and Riibe at an outdoor bar before her disappearance. In the video, Konanki is seen becoming ill, while Riibe is observed appearing intoxicated and being steadied by another individual. Both individuals were wearing the same clothing as seen in prior footage, yet they did not interact during this particular segment.
Mr. Riibe’s accounts of the events leading to Ms. Konanki’s disappearance have varied significantly. He has given conflicting stories regarding his last moments with her, alternately claiming to have seen her in the water, on the shore, or having rescued her, all of which raise questions regarding his credibility in this case.
In conclusion, Joshua Riibe, the last known person to be with Sudiksha Konanki, finds himself in legal limbo as he seeks release from police custody. Despite being described as a ‘person of interest,’ he has yet to receive formal charges. As the investigation unfolds, the discrepancies in Riibe’s statements and the lack of available evidence about Konanki’s fate remain critical issues.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
