PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — The search for U.S. college student Sudiksha Konanki intensified on March 6, following her disappearance in Punta Cana. The 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student was last seen before dawn, prompting authorities to investigate the waters nearby for signs of drowning.
- U.S. college student Sudiksha Konanki missing
- Last seen in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Joshua Riibe questioned but not a suspect
- Riibe claims to have swum Konanki ashore
- His parents allege irregular detention conditions
- Riibe's attorney requests his release from custody
Joshua Riibe, a Minnesota student who has not been named a suspect, is believed to be the last person with Konanki before she vanished. He met with officials on the beach and remains detained by Dominican police as investigations continue.
Sudiksha Konanki disappeared early on March 6 while visiting Punta Cana, a popular resort area in the Dominican Republic. Authorities are conducting extensive searches of the surrounding waters as part of their investigation into her possible drowning. Her family and friends have expressed deep concern over her safety since she went missing.
Joshua Riibe has been questioned by police regarding his interactions with Konanki prior to her disappearance. According to reports from local media outlets including NBC and Telemundo, Riibe stated that he and Konanki were drinking together when they were swept out to sea by strong tides. After swimming back to shore alone, he claimed that she intended to retrieve her belongings but never returned.
- Konanki is a 20-year-old Indian citizen studying at the University of Pittsburgh.
- The incident occurred in Punta Cana’s resort area known for its beaches.
- Riibe’s attorney has requested his release from detention amid concerns about his treatment during questioning.
Riibe’s parents allege that he has faced irregular conditions while detained without proper legal counsel or translators. They maintain that he has cooperated fully with law enforcement throughout this ordeal. As authorities continue their investigation into Konanki’s whereabouts, both families await further developments regarding Riibe’s status and any new information about the case.
The ongoing search for Sudiksha Konanki underscores the urgency surrounding her case as authorities work diligently to uncover what happened leading up to her disappearance in Punta Cana.
