Sun Mar 16 15:23:05 UTC 2025: ## Missing American Student: Person of Interest Questioned in Dominican Republic Disappearance

**Punta Cana, Dominican Republic** – A frantic search is underway for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old Indian-American pre-med student from Virginia, who vanished during a spring break trip to Punta Cana. Konanki, who was vacationing with friends, was last seen on March 5th at the Riu Republica Resort.

Authorities have identified Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old college student from Minnesota, as a person of interest in the case. Riibe, who was not part of Konanki’s original group, met her the night she disappeared and was the last person seen with her. CCTV footage shows the pair walking together along a resort pathway around 5:50 am.

Riibe has given conflicting accounts to investigators regarding the events leading up to Konanki’s disappearance. He initially claimed that a large wave separated them in the ocean, and after vomiting from swallowing seawater, he awoke to find her gone. However, his statements have varied, leading to concerns among investigators.

Riibe’s passport has been seized, and he remains under police surveillance at his hotel. While he has cooperated with the investigation, his parents have alleged that he was questioned under irregular conditions without proper legal representation for several days. They maintain their son’s innocence and express sympathy for the Konanki family.

A massive search operation, involving Dominican authorities and the FBI, is utilizing drones, helicopters, and divers to scour the surrounding area. While drowning is suspected, Konanki’s family remains hopeful that she will be found alive and has called for a broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Dominican officials acknowledge the diminishing chances of a positive outcome. The investigation is ongoing.

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