Investigation Intensifies into Sudiksha Konanki’s Disappearance as Key Witness Interrogated

Dominican Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso interrogated Joshua Riibe, who was last seen with missing student Sudiksha Konanki. Riibe, labeled a ‘key element,’ has faced scrutiny over conflicting accounts of her disappearance since March 6. His family has raised concerns about his treatment, while the comprehensive search efforts are underway with assistance from U.S. authorities.

The Attorney General of the Dominican Republic, Yeni Berenice Reynoso, interrogated Joshua Riibe, who was the last person seen with the missing Virginia college student Sudiksha Konanki. This questioning occurred in Riibe’s hotel room in Punta Cana and lasted several hours as authorities escalate their inquiry into Konanki’s disappearance after she was last seen on March 6 alongside Riibe at a beach.

Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud State University, was vacationing with friends at the Riu República resort, where Konanki, 20, from the University of Pittsburgh, vanished. Though not charged with any crime, Riibe is considered a “key element” in the investigation, with Dominican officials seizing his passport when he tried to leave the hotel.

Riibe’s parents have expressed concerns regarding the treatment of their son, indicating that he is under constant police surveillance without adequate legal representation. They noted that he has faced “irregular conditions” and persistent questioning for many days.

Complications have arisen from differing versions of events provided by Riibe concerning Konanki’s disappearance. An internal police transcript suggests he stated they were caught in a strong wave, yet he managed to return Konanki to shore. In subsequent statements, he indicated he became ill and passed out while she remained in the water. Surveillance footage counters these accounts, showing the timeline of his return alone to the hotel.

The search for Konanki has intensified, deploying a range of resources including boats, helicopters, and K9 units along the shoreline. This case follows a similar tragedy where four European tourists drowned at the same resort recently.

In light of these events, Riibe’s family reiterated his commitment to assisting in the search for Konanki. They expressed his distress regarding her disappearance and emphasized his cooperation with authorities. Additionally, officials are investigating mobile phone records related to the case as the inquiry proceeds actively.

In summary, the investigation into Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance is being led by Dominican authorities, with Joshua Riibe emerging as a central figure in the case. His family has expressed concerns over his treatment during police interrogations while investigators continue to sift through conflicting accounts and various evidences in an effort to locate the missing student. The search operations remain rigorous and are monitored by U.S. officials.

Original Source: www.fox5dc.com