Disappearance of Indian Student Sudiksha Konanki: Person of Interest Identified

Joshua Riibe, 24, is a person of interest in the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian student, in the Dominican Republic. Konanki was last seen on March 6, 2023, at a beach after a night out with friends. Authorities are investigating her disappearance with support from the FBI and have expanded their resources in the search.

Authorities have identified 24-year-old Joshua Riibe as a person of interest in the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian student, in the Dominican Republic. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia confirmed Mr. Riibe’s status but emphasized that the investigation remains a missing persons case rather than a criminal one, according to spokesperson Chad Quinn.

Sudiksha Konanki, a student from the University of Pittsburgh, was reported last seen on March 6, at a beach in Punta Cana while on vacation with five friends. Joshua Riibe, who was not part of her travel group, joined them at the resort. On the night of her disappearance, the group spent time at a resort disco until 3 a.m., heading to the beach shortly after, where surveillance footage captured them arriving around 4:15 a.m.

By 5:50 a.m., most of the friends had departed, leaving Ms. Konanki alone with Mr. Riibe. Mr. Riibe was later seen by himself, while Ms. Konanki has not yet been found. Reportedly, Mr. Riibe has given conflicting accounts to authorities regarding their last interactions, mentioning he last saw her in the water but later stating different scenarios regarding her whereabouts.

The Dominican authorities, with assistance from the FBI, are actively searching for Ms. Konanki, according to a spokesperson for La Policia Nacional. They have increased personnel and equipment for the investigation, conducting interviews, and reviewing security footage from the area.

Authorities noted that Ms. Konanki was last seen swimming in the ocean, wearing a brown bikini, with her clothing found on a chaise lounge. Video footage revealed her walking along the beach with a man, identified as Mr. Riibe, just before her disappearance. The Hotel Riu Republica, where she was staying, had experienced a 25-hour power outage prior, but electricity was restored before she was last seen, and security cameras were functioning, documenting her movements.

As of now, one week has elapsed since Sudiksha Konanki was reported missing, with limited leads in the investigation. The Dominican Republic National Police has formed a special task force, working with the General Prosecutor’s Office, the FBI, and the US Embassy’s international liaison to further the inquiry. Detectives from Loudoun County will be traveling to the Dominican Republic to assist under the FBI’s guidance.

The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki has led to the identification of Joshua Riibe as a person of interest. The authorities continue to search for her while collaborating with several agencies, including the FBI. The investigation has seen an increase in resources, yet definitive leads remain elusive. This case highlights the challenges faced during such investigations across international borders.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com