Intensive Investigation into Sudiksha Konanki’s Disappearance: Key Witness Questioned

Sudiksha Konanki, a Virginia college student, disappeared during a spring break trip in the Dominican Republic. Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with her, has been interrogated by officials but has not been named a suspect. Authorities have seized his passport, and search efforts are ongoing. Riibe’s family express concerns over his treatment while highlighting his cooperation in the case.

Authorities in the Dominican Republic are intensifying their investigation into the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a Virginia college student. Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso personally questioned Joshua Riibe, the last person known to have seen Konanki, in his hotel room on Saturday. Riibe, a senior from Iowa, was on spring break at a resort in Punta Cana along with Konanki when she vanished early on March 6.

Although not charged with a crime, Riibe is considered a “key element” in the case, leading authorities to seize his passport following an attempted check-out from his hotel. Riibe’s family has expressed concerns regarding his treatment, alleging that he has faced repeated questioning without legal representation and has been under police surveillance since Konanki’s disappearance.

Investigators are analyzing contradictory statements made by Riibe regarding the circumstances of Konanki’s disappearance. A leaked transcript reportedly reveals he initially claimed they were swept away by a wave during which he managed to bring her back to shore before seeing her walk away. In another version, he stated he fell ill while Konanki was still in the water. Security footage corroborates that his group left the beach around 6 a.m., while he returned alone prior to 10 a.m., and Konanki was reported missing later that day.

Search efforts have significantly escalated, with authorities deploying boats, aircraft, and dive teams to comb the coastline. This incident follows another tragic case involving four European tourists who drowned at the same resort two months earlier. The U.S. State Department is monitoring the situation closely, though has remained silent publicly due to privacy considerations.

Riibe’s family has publicly stated their son’s distress over Konanki’s disappearance, emphasizing his willingness to assist in search efforts. They acknowledged his cooperation with authorities from the outset and have expressed their hope for her safe return. Investigators are also reviewing phone records from Konanki and witnesses to aid in this ongoing inquiry.

The ongoing investigation into Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance has seen intensified scrutiny of Joshua Riibe, the last known person to be with her. With varying accounts of the events surrounding her disappearance and a robust search effort being conducted, authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of answers. Riibe’s family has raised concerns about his treatment, yet he continues to cooperate with law enforcement as the investigation remains active.

Original Source: www.fox5dc.com