Wed Mar 19 08:42:32 UTC 2025: ## American Man Released After Detention in Case of Missing Indian Student in Dominican Republic

**Punta Cana, Dominican Republic** – Joshua Steven Riibe, the last person seen with missing Indian student Sudiksha Konanki, has been released from custody after days of detention. Riibe, a 22-year-old student from Iowa, was questioned extensively in connection with Konanki’s disappearance from a beach in Punta Cana two weeks ago. His release comes a day after Konanki’s parents requested Dominican authorities declare their daughter dead.

Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, vanished on March 6th after a night out with friends, including Riibe, at a Punta Cana resort. Surveillance footage shows the pair together at a nightclub and later walking along a resort pathway before heading to the beach around 4:15 am. Most of Konanki’s friends left by 5:50 am, leaving her alone with Riibe.

Riibe claims a strong wave separated them in the ocean, and that he lost consciousness after vomiting seawater. He said he attempted to rescue her but lost sight of her. Dominican investigators, however, believe Konanki drowned, stating they have found no evidence of foul play.

Riibe, who filed a habeas corpus petition alleging unfair treatment and rights violations during his detention, had his passport confiscated but his attorney is working with the US Embassy to obtain a new one. While released, the investigation into Konanki’s disappearance continues. The tragic situation underscores the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fate of the young student, even as her parents grapple with the devastating possibility of her death.

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