By Martín Adames Alcántara
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (AP) – The search for an American university student that disappeared in the Dominican Republic He intensified on Monday, a day after a man questioned by the authorities visited the beach, where he was last seen and spoke with the officials.
SUDIKSHA KONANKI A 20 -year -old student at Pittsburgh University and an Indian citizen disappeared before dawn on March 6 in the tourist city of Punta Cana. The authorities are traveling waters in case he drown.
The student of Minnesota, Joshua Riibe, has not been appointed as suspect, but has been arrested by the Dominican police and is believed to be the last person to see Konanki. On Sunday, he and his lawyer met with officials on the beach.
On Monday, Riibe’s lawyer officially requested his release. A judge is expected to issue a decision on Tuesday, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the information.
According to the transcription of an interview with the prosecutors, reported by the Dominican media, as well as NBC and Telemundo, Riibe told the police that he was drinking with Konanki on the beach and that they kissed in water to the waist when they were taken to the sea by a strong tide. Riibe said he was a former lifeguard and swam on the shore.
He told the researchers that he vomited when he arrived at the beach and that Konanki said he was going to look for his things. When he looked up, she was gone. He said he was later surprised to hear his disappearance.
Riibe’s parents have accused Dominican officials of stopping him “in irregular conditions” without translators or legal advisor, saying that he has been confined to a hotel room with police surveillance for more than a week.
They said that Riibe, a last year student at the University of St. Cloud, has been repeatedly taken to the police station and interrogated, added that he has “fully cooperated” with the police.
The Friday’s statement from Albert and Tine Riibe did not provide details about Konanki’s disappearance or her son’s connection with her. Their parents said the family has retained a lawyer to ensure that their rights are protected.
Dominican public prosecutors have not responded to the declaration.
The Federal Research Office is also investigating Konanki’s disappearance.
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Originally published: March 17, 2025 at 6:24 pm edt
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