Interpol Issues Global Alert for Missing Indian-Origin Student Sudiksha Konanki

Interpol has issued a notice for Sudiksha Konanki, a Virginia student missing in the Dominican Republic since March 6. Last seen with Joshua Riibe, he stated they were taken out to sea by a wave. Her family urges a broader investigation, suspecting potential abduction as Ms. Konanki left personal belongings with friends.

Interpol, formally known as the International Criminal Police Organization, has issued a global alert regarding the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, an Indian-origin student. The 20-year-old, who resides in Virginia and studies at the University of Pittsburgh, went missing during her spring break in the Dominican Republic on March 6, when she was last spotted in Punta Cana. The yellow notice was issued to assist in locating individuals who are either missing or victims of unexplained disappearances.

Ms. Konanki is approximately 1.6 meters tall with black hair, brown eyes, and three piercings in her right ear. She was reportedly vacationing with five female friends at a resort in Punta Cana when her disappearance occurred. Surveillance footage shows her and her friends heading towards the beach, after which the others returned to their hotel, while Ms. Konanki was later seen with Joshua Riibe, a senior from St. Cloud State University, who has become a person of interest in the case.

Mr. Riibe has acknowledged his presence with Ms. Konanki during the night of her disappearance. In a transcript from NBC News, he divulged that they were in waist-deep water engaging in conversation and affectionate behavior when a strong wave swept them both out to sea. Although Mr. Riibe, a trained pool lifeguard, attempted to keep her afloat, he claims to have lost sight of her once they reached shallower water.

After bringing Ms. Konanki to shallow waters, he observed her walking in the water at an angle. However, he did not receive a response when he asked her if she was okay, as he had begun to vomit seawater. Consequently, when he regained his footing, Ms. Konanki was missing, leading him to believe she had simply left. Mr. Riibe returned to his hotel room alone hours later, as captured by surveillance footage.

In light of these developments, Ms. Konanki’s family is advocating for a thorough investigation that considers possibilities beyond drowning, such as abduction. They find it particularly concerning that Ms. Konanki’s cell phone and wallet were left behind with her friends, which is atypical for her habitual behavior. Ms. Konanki resides with her family in Loudoun County, Virginia, and is currently pursuing biology and chemistry studies at her university.

The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki has prompted significant concern and ongoing investigations. While her friends were able to return safely, the circumstances surrounding her last known whereabouts remain troubling. Joshua Riibe’s account as the last person seen with her raises pertinent questions, and Ms. Konanki’s family continues to advocate for a comprehensive investigation into her case. The situation underscores the importance of thorough inquiries in similar disappearance cases.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com