Last Person With Missing Indian Student Changes Account Amid Fears of Kidnapping

Sudiksha Konanki, a missing 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh, was last seen with Joshua Steven Ribe in the Dominican Republic. Authorities have secured various testimonies from Mr. Ribe, who claims to have blacked out, leading to concerns about possible kidnapping. As search efforts continue, the family is urging a wider investigation while authorities utilize extensive resources to locate her.

A 24-year-old tourist from Iowa, Joshua Steven Ribe, was the last person seen with Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who went missing from a Dominican Republic beach. Reports by Dominican news outlet El Nacional indicate that Mr. Ribe was intoxicated when he claimed Ms. Konanki disappeared shortly after he passed out on the shore. As the search efforts enter their fourth day, concerns are growing that she may have been kidnapped.

Ms. Konanki was vacationing with friends at the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana. The group was seen partying at a disco until 3 am and then moved to the beach at approximately 4 am. By 5:50 am, her friends had left her alone with Mr. Ribe, marking him as the last individual known to be with her. Subsequently, Mr. Ribe has offered three conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances of her disappearance.

Despite his inconsistency, law enforcement officials have not categorized Mr. Ribe as a suspect, though he is cooperating with ongoing investigations. Ms. Konanki’s friends reportedly waited nearly 12 hours before filing a missing persons report at 4 pm on Thursday. Authorities are actively employing drones, helicopters, boats, and underwater divers to assist in their search for her.

Mr. Konanki, Sudiksha’s father, has expressed deep concern, particularly after clothes belonging to his daughter were discovered on a beach chaise lounge, suggesting she may have drowned. However, he is urging officials to investigate all possibilities, including kidnapping, as it is unusual for her to leave her phone and wallet with friends. “It’s four days, and if she was in the water, she would likely have been strewn to shore. She’s not found,” he stated, calling for a broader inquiry.

The Dominican National Police are now interviewing several individuals, including Konanki’s companions and other guests at the resort while also examining surveillance footage from adjacent resorts. Agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and University of Pittsburgh police are currently aiding in the investigation, with the Indian Embassy in the Dominican Republic overseeing diplomatic communications.

The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki raises significant concerns, especially given the conflicting testimonies of Joshua Steven Ribe, who was the last person with her. As search efforts continue, the family fears for her safety and is advocating for a comprehensive investigation that explores the possibility of kidnapping. The involvement of multiple international agencies underscores the seriousness of the situation, highlighting the need for thorough and urgent action.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com