Search Continues for Missing Indian Student Sudiksha Konanki in Punta Cana

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, has been missing since March 6 after making two Venmo payments in Punta Cana. US authorities have identified a person of interest, Joshua Riibe, but the investigation is not criminal. Support from family and university officials continues as the search efforts proceed.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian citizen and permanent resident of the United States, went missing on March 6 while vacationing at the Riu Republic Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Prior to her disappearance, she made two Venmo payments within 40 minutes. The first transaction occurred at 2:54 PM, directed to an unspecified user, accompanied by a sailboat emoji. The second payment referenced a popular nightclub, “coco bongo.”

In connection with her case, US authorities have identified Joshua Riibe, a 24-year-old man, as a “person of interest.” He was reportedly seen with Sudiksha at the resort before she vanished. Law enforcement from both the US and Dominican Republic is cooperating in the ongoing investigation, although it is not currently being treated as a criminal investigation.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, representing Konanki’s hometown in Virginia, confirmed Riibe’s presence with her at the time of her disappearance. Sudiksha’s father has urged local authorities to expand the investigation, reflecting the family’s concerns. Meanwhile, University of Pittsburgh officials have been supporting Sudiksha’s family and are maintaining communication with Virginia authorities.

Dominican Republic’s President, Luis Abinader, commented that the last person seen with Sudiksha indicated that a wave had crashed over them while they were at the beach. However, local officials, including Civil Defense Director Juan Salas, stated that there have been no discoveries of her clothing, which they continue to search for as part of the investigation.

In summary, Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, has been missing since March 6 after making two Venmo payments before her disappearance. Authorities have identified a 24-year-old man as a person of interest but have clarified that the investigation is not criminal in nature. As the search continues with the cooperation of US and Dominican authorities, family and university officials remain actively involved in seeking answers regarding her whereabouts.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com