Dominican AG Interrogates Key Witness in Sudiksha Konanki Disappearance
The Dominican Attorney General has interrogated Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with missing student Sudiksha Konanki. Riibe, labeled a ‘key element’ in the case, had his passport confiscated. His family is concerned about his treatment while discrepancies in his account of events related to Konanki’s disappearance are being investigated. An extensive search operation is currently in progress.
The Attorney General of the Dominican Republic, Yeni Berenice Reynoso, conducted an extensive interrogation of Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with missing college student Sudiksha Konanki. Riibe, who is 22 and attending St. Cloud State University, was questioned in his hotel room at the Riu República resort, where he was vacationing with friends, including Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh.
As authorities intensify their investigation, Riibe has not been named as a suspect but is considered a “key element” in the case. His passport was confiscated by officials following his hotel checkout attempt, and he remains under police surveillance.
Riibe’s family has expressed concern over his treatment, stating that he has faced “irregular conditions” and continuous questioning without legal counsel. They revealed he has been confined to his hotel room under police, adding, “he has remained in his hotel room under police surveillance and has been repeatedly taken to the police station since March 6.”
Investigators are analyzing conflicting statements made by Riibe regarding how Konanki disappeared. He reportedly described events that suggest differing accounts of her fate, claiming she was carried offshore by a wave, and later saying he was unwell on a beach chair while she was still in the water. Surveillance footage indicates that six friends departed from the beach early in the morning, while Riibe returned alone hours later.
An extensive search operation is underway along the coastline, employing various resources, such as boats, planes, and drones, to locate Konanki. This incident follows the recent drowning of four European tourists at the same resort, whose bodies were found soon after.
Riibe’s family emphasized that he has been fully cooperative during the investigation and expressed their deep distress regarding Konanki’s disappearance. Authorities are conducting a review of phone records from both Konanki and other witnesses as the investigation remains active, with oversight by U.S. authorities including the State Department.
In summary, the investigation into Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance has intensified, with significant scrutiny on Joshua Riibe, who was last seen with her. Despite his designation as a ‘key element’ in the case, no charges have been filed against him. Authorities are executing a comprehensive search effort, while Riibe’s family reiterates their support for the ongoing investigative efforts.
Original Source: www.fox5dc.com
