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

Interpol has issued a global alert for Sudiksha Konanki, an Indian-origin student missing in the Dominican Republic since March 6 during a spring break trip. Last seen with Joshua Riibe, a colleague from Minnesota, the case raises concerns over possible abduction, emphasized by her family’s plea for a thorough investigation as initial drowning theories are challenged.

The International Criminal Police Organization, known as Interpol, has issued a global alert for Sudiksha Konanki, an Indian-origin student who has gone missing in the Dominican Republic. Based in Virginia and studying at the University of Pittsburgh, the 20-year-old was last seen in Punta Cana on March 6 during a visit with college friends. Interpol’s yellow notice, aimed at locating missing persons, highlighted her physical description, including being approximately 1.6 meters tall with black hair and brown eyes.

Sudiksha was vacationing at a resort in Punta Cana with five female friends. Surveillance footage captured her and her companions heading towards the beach. While the group returned to their hotel, Sudiksha was later spotted with Joshua Riibe, a senior from St. Cloud State University, identified as a “person of interest” in her disappearance.

Mr. Riibe has acknowledged being with Sudiksha when she vanished. In a transcript acquired by NBC News, he described how they were in waist-deep water, where they were interacting playfully. He recounted that a powerful wave swept them away, and despite his efforts as a trained lifeguard, he struggled to keep them both afloat.

After safely reaching shallower waters, Mr. Riibe last glimpsed Sudiksha walking in the water after he had asked if she was alright, but lost sight of her as he began to vomit seawater. Hours later, surveillance captured him returning to his hotel alone, leading to further questions about the circumstances of her disappearance.

While officials initially suspected that Sudiksha may have drowned, her family has expressed concerns, urging authorities to consider abduction or other scenarios, especially since her phone and wallet were left behind with friends—a detail that they believe is inconsistent with her habits. Sudiksha resides in Loudoun County, Virginia, and is studying biology and chemistry.

Interpol’s ongoing search for Sudiksha Konanki highlights the mysterious circumstances surrounding her disappearance. While Joshua Riibe has claimed involvement in the events leading to her vanishing, the family raises concerns regarding potential foul play. The situation urges a thorough investigation beyond initial assumptions, as the search for Sudiksha continues.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com