Joshua Riibe’s Passport Seized Amidst Sudiksha Konanki Investigation

In a significant development regarding the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a university student from Virginia, authorities in the Dominican Republic have seized the passport of Joshua Riibe. He was the last person seen with Konanki before she went missing on March 6, at the Riu República resort in Punta Cana.

Authorities Intensify Investigation

On Saturday, the Attorney General of the Dominican Republic, Yeni Berenice Reynoso, personally interrogated Riibe, who is in his final year at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. This questioning took place in his hotel room and follows multiple interviews conducted by local law enforcement and investigators from Loudoun County, Virginia.

Riibe: Described as a ‘Key Element’

Although Riibe has not been labeled as a suspect nor charged with any crime, Dominican officials have identified him as a “key element” in the ongoing investigation. His passport was confiscated days ago as he attempted to leave the hotel after Konanki’s disappearance.

Family Concerns Over Treatment

Riibe’s parents have expressed concerns regarding their son’s treatment in the investigation process, claiming he is experiencing “irregular conditions” and is being subjected to extensive questioning without legal assistance or proper translation. 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 Reports on Konanki’s Disappearance

Investigation efforts are complicated by conflicting accounts from Riibe regarding the circumstances of Konanki’s disappearance. Initial reports indicated that Riibe claimed they were both caught in a strong wave, but he managed to swim her back to shore. He later stated that he fell ill while Konanki was still in the water. Surveillance footage revealed that six friends left the beach by 6 a.m., while Riibe returned alone shortly before 10 a.m. Konanki was reported missing by her friends at 4 p.m. the same day.

Search Operations Underway

A comprehensive search operation has been launched, deploying boats, aircraft, helicopters, dive teams, K9 units, and drones equipped with artificial intelligence, all focused on the coastline in hopes of locating Konanki.

This incident follows another tragic event at the same resort, where four European tourists drowned two months prior, with their bodies recovered within 48 hours.

U.S. Authorities Monitoring the Case

U.S. officials, including representatives from the State Department, are closely monitoring the situation, though they have refrained from public comments, citing privacy laws.

Family’s Commitment to Assisting

Riibe’s family has emphasized his full cooperation with the investigation and their desire to aid in the search for Konanki. “Joshua is deeply dismayed by her disappearance and has fully cooperated from the very beginning,” they stated.

The investigation remains active, with authorities also reviewing phone records from Konanki and other key witnesses.