Dominican Authorities Lift Surveillance on Joshua Riibe Amid Sudiksha Konanki Disappearance

Dominican authorities have lifted police surveillance on Joshua Riibe after a hearing regarding the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki. Although Riibe is expected to receive his passport soon, he has not been charged. Konanki’s family has requested a formal declaration of her death amidst ongoing investigations, with a ruling expected by March 28.
Authorities in the Dominican Republic have decided to lift police surveillance on Joshua Riibe, who was previously detained in connection with the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a 22-year-old student from Loudoun County, Virginia. While Riibe’s passport is expected to be returned to him on Thursday, it has not yet been handed over, as officials continue their investigation. This decision follows a habeas corpus hearing aimed at releasing Riibe from custody after his weekday detention.
Riibe, now freed from police watch, was no longer deemed a person of interest by Loudoun County deputies after interviews conducted on March 13 with him, his father, and his legal counsel. Although Riibe had previously been under observation post Konanki’s last sighting at a Punta Cana hotel on March 6, he claimed he had spent time with her prior to her disappearance.
A judge allowed Riibe to regain his freedom due to his classification as a witness rather than a suspect, although he did not receive his passport back due to jurisdictional reasons. Riibe had expressed his frustrations in court about being confined without the liberty to leave with police oversight while stating his eagerness to return home.
In light of the investigation, a representative from Riibe’s defense conveyed solidarity with Konanki’s family, hoping for her safe return amid the ongoing inquiry. Meanwhile, Konanki’s family has formally requested a declaration of her death, acknowledging the legal procedures required while expressing their trust in the authorities’ commitment to the investigation. A judicial ruling in this matter is anticipated on March 28.
In summary, Joshua Riibe is no longer under police surveillance following a habeas corpus hearing related to Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance. While he is expected to receive his passport soon, he remains uncharged. Konanki’s family has formally requested a declaration of her death as investigations proceed, with a decision to be made by March 28.
Original Source: fox17.com