Tuesday, Mar 18 2025 | Time 22:32 Hrs(IST)
India


Dominican authorities continue probe into disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, passport of US tourist Riibe confiscated

Dominican authorities continue probe into disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, passport of US tourist Riibe confiscated

Punta Cana/New Delhi, Mar 17 (UNI) Authorities in Punta Cana, a resort town in the Dominican Republic, conducted a reenactment of the events leading to the disappearance of Indian tourist Sudiksha Konanki at the Riu República hotel with the investigations focused on Joshua Steven Riibe, the last person seen with Konanki.

At 2 am Riibe was taken to the beach to provide a chronological account of the events on March 6, helping authorities gather crucial details for the investigation, according to Dominican Today.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, arrived in Punta Cana on March 3 with five friends for spring break. She was last seen on the beach of the Riu República Hotel on March 6, with some of her clothing later found on a nearby beach chair.

Riibe, a 22-year-old American tourist, has been identified as a person of interest due to his inconsistent statements, including claiming that both were swept away by a wave but he returned to shore alone.

Riibe’s passport has been confiscated, and he remains under guard at his hotel while the investigation continues.

Dominican authorities, in collaboration with international agencies, are working diligently to locate Konanki and resolve the case.

According to witnesses, the young woman was last seen around 4:15 a.m. on March 6, after heading to the beach. Riibe, who claims to have been with Konanki that night, told investigators they were both swept away by a wave while in the water.

“We were waist-deep in water, talking and kissing a little bit,” Riibe said in an interview with local authorities, according to a transcript obtained by NBC News. “A wave hit us and swept us out to sea. I tried to help her breathe, but I was swallowing water too.” Riibe, who worked as a lifeguard in the past, said she managed to get Konanki to shore, but then lost contact with her.

“The last time I saw her, I asked her if she was okay. I didn’t hear her answer,” he said. “I looked around and saw no one. I thought she had taken her things and left.” However, hours later, it was learned that Konanki had disappeared, triggering an intensive search in the area.

Dominican authorities have avoided calling Riibe a suspect, though they are keeping him under strict surveillance.

“For now, no one is considered a suspect.” Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office of Loudoun County, Virginia, where Konanki is from, has sent detectives to Punta Cana to assist in the investigation.

Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, has denied any involvement in Konanki’s disappearance. “I’m just trying to help them,” he told NBC News from the resort where he’s staying. “The ocean is a dangerous place.”

The case has raised concerns in the United States and the Dominican Republic, where authorities insist it is a missing person investigation and not a criminal case. Meanwhile, Konanki’s family is waiting for answers about the young woman’s whereabouts, whose fate remains a mystery.

Riibe has given versions of events that are “very suspicious” and full of inconsistencies, according to lawyer Félix Portes.

UNI RN

More News
IP University signs MoU with St Petersburg State University of Economics

IP University signs MoU with St Petersburg State University of Economics

18 Mar 2025 | 8:04 PM

New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) IP University has signed an MoU with St Petersburg State University of Economics, an official said here on Tuesday.

see more..
Parents of Sudiksha Konanki request that she be declared deceased

Parents of Sudiksha Konanki request that she be declared deceased

18 Mar 2025 | 7:21 PM

Punta Cana/New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who has been missing since March 6 in Punta Cana, a resort in the Dominican Republic, have formally requested Dominican authorities to declare her deceased after extensive search efforts yielded no results.

see more..
India slams Pakistan for Kashmir comments, asks it to vacate Indian territory under its illegal occupation

India slams Pakistan for Kashmir comments, asks it to vacate Indian territory under its illegal occupation

18 Mar 2025 | 7:11 PM

New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) India today slammed Pakistan for its comments on Kashmir, and said that instead of "spreading lies" Islamabad should vacate the Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation.

see more..
SC seeks report on alleged favouritism in Arunachal Pradesh Contracts

SC seeks report on alleged favouritism in Arunachal Pradesh Contracts

18 Mar 2025 | 6:27 PM

New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday took serious note of allegations that various public works contracts in Arunachal Pradesh were awarded to firms linked to Chief Minister Pema Khandu's family members.

see more..
Rajnath & his Dutch counterpart review defence cooperation

Rajnath & his Dutch counterpart review defence cooperation

18 Mar 2025 | 5:57 PM

New Delhi, Mar 18 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday held a meeting with Defence Minister of Netherlands Ruben Brekelmans here and both leaders reviewed the full range of defence cooperation.

see more..