Investigation Intensifies in Sudiksha Konanki’s Disappearance with Key Witness Questioned

The Dominican Republic Attorney General questioned Joshua Riibe, last seen with missing student Sudiksha Konanki. Riibe has not been charged, but his conflicting accounts and seizure of his passport raise suspicions. Authorities are conducting extensive search efforts for Konanki, while her family expresses concern for Riibe’s treatment. The investigation remains ongoing.

The Dominican Republic’s Attorney General, Yeni Berenice Reynoso, personally interrogated Joshua Riibe, the last known person seen with missing college student Sudiksha Konanki. The questioning, which lasted several hours in Riibe’s hotel room, follows an earlier series of interviews with local police and Virginia investigators. Riibe, a St. Cloud State University senior, was vacationing at Riu República resort with Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who disappeared on March 6 after being seen with him on the beach.

Although Riibe has not been formally accused of any crime, officials have designated him as a “key element” in the investigation. His passport was confiscated when he attempted to leave the hotel, raising further suspicions. Riibe’s parents have voiced concerns regarding the treatment of their son, alleging that he has faced “irregular conditions” with ongoing questioning without legal representation. They stated, “He has remained in his hotel room under police surveillance and has been repeatedly taken to the police station since March 6.”

Conflicting statements from Riibe regarding the circumstances of Konanki’s disappearance are under close examination. A leaked police transcript indicates Riibe initially claimed they were caught in a wave, but he managed to bring her back and last saw her walking away. In another account, he stated he fell ill while she was still in the water. Surveillance footage confirms several friends left the beach at 6 a.m., while Riibe returned alone at 10 a.m., and Konanki was reported missing later that afternoon.

An extensive search operation has been initiated, employing boats, helicopters, dive teams, K9 units, and drones to locate Konanki along the coastline. Her disappearance is notably close to a recent incident where four European tourists drowned at the same resort, their bodies found shortly after. U.S. authorities are observing the situation but have refrained from public comments.

Riibe’s family expressed their concern for their son’s well-being while emphasizing his cooperation throughout the investigation. They stated, “Above all, we wish to contribute to the search efforts. Joshua is deeply dismayed by her disappearance and has fully cooperated from the very beginning.” The investigation continues with authorities also analyzing phone records from Konanki and other witnesses to gather additional evidence.

The case of Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance has intensified with personal questioning of Joshua Riibe by the Attorney General of the Dominican Republic. While not officially a suspect, Riibe’s conflicting accounts and the seizure of his passport indicate rising scrutiny. As extensive search efforts are underway, his family’s concerns about his treatment highlight the pressure surrounding the investigation, which is also being monitored by U.S. officials. The investigation remains active as further evidence, including phone records, is analyzed.

Original Source: www.fox5dc.com