Investigation Continues in Disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki in Dominican Republic

Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with missing student Sudiksha Konanki, is currently under police supervision as a person of interest in her disappearance. He recounts their last moments together at the beach, where a wave swept them out to sea. Dominican authorities are investigating the incident while ensuring public safety for tourists.

Joshua Riibe, identified as a person of interest in the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, addressed the media following the seizure of his passport by authorities. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that he was the last individual seen with Konanki before her disappearance on March 6 in the Dominican Republic. Surveillance footage captures them leaving together, accompanied by two women, shortly before she went missing.

Currently, Mr. Riibe, a 22-year-old university student from Minnesota, is under police supervision at the Riu Republica hotel in Punta Cana, where he cannot leave without police escort. He expressed his intention to assist authorities in locating Konanki, emphasizing the risks posed by the ocean.

In an interview, Riibe recounted spending time with Konanki on the beach before a wave swept both of them into the sea. He conveyed his struggle to keep Konanki afloat while he endured difficulty himself. Riibe stated, “I kept trying to get her to breathe, but that didn’t allow me to breathe all the time, and I swallowed a lot of water.”

After managing to return to shore, Riibe claimed that he lost sight of Konanki. He described the moment he asked her if she was alright but could not hear her response due to his own distress after consuming sea water. He believed she had exited the beach after he began to vomit seawater.

The Dominican authorities announced on March 14 that Riibe remains in custody for further questioning as the investigation continues. Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso confirmed the thorough search for Konanki, citing the emotional strain on both her family and the public.

Surveillance footage revealed that Riibe left the beach with no sign of Konanki shortly after their last contact. Riibe’s family expressed their concern over his treatment during the investigation, stating he has been held under unusual conditions. They highlighted their son’s character and commitment to his community while requesting that the investigation be conducted fairly.

President Luis Abinader stated that authorities are treating Konanki’s disappearance as an accident, emphasizing the efforts of all government bodies in the investigation. The Dominican Republic, which sees around 11 million tourists annually, is assuring visitors of their safety. The Riu Hotels chain has also offered its support, promising cooperation with local law enforcement to conduct a thorough search and expressing sympathy towards Konanki’s family during this challenging time.

In summary, Joshua Riibe’s involvement in the Sudiksha Konanki disappearance has raised significant attention. Currently under police supervision in the Dominican Republic, Riibe maintains he seeks to assist in the investigation. As the authorities conduct their inquiries, local officials, including President Abinader, are addressing concerns regarding tourist safety while ensuring an exhaustive search for Konanki is underway. The situation remains complex and heavily scrutinized while support for both parties is expressed by their families and the community.

Original Source: globalnews.ca