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Disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki: Authorities Take Action Against Person of Interest
In a development in the case of Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student who went missing in the Dominican Republic, authorities have confiscated the passport of Joshua Riibe, the individual reported to have been with her prior to her disappearance.
Riibe’s legal team confirmed on Saturday that his travel document was seized by authorities “several days ago.” While he has not been officially named a suspect in the ongoing investigation, he has been labeled a “person of interest” in what officials are treating as a missing person case.
“The passport was taken by authorities when he attempted to check out a few days ago at the start of the investigation,” stated attorneys from Guzmán Ariza, a law firm based in the Dominican Republic. “Since then, he has not had access to it.”
Riibe, a 22-year-old from Rock Rapids, Iowa, and a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, has faced intense scrutiny after Konanki’s disappearance on March 6. A source close to the investigation indicated that Riibe, as the only publicly known witness, is a significant figure in the inquiry.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Disappearance
Sudiksha Konanki, a resident of Loudon County, Virginia, was vacationing in Punta Cana with a group of five fellow students from the University of Pittsburgh when she was last seen. Surveillance footage captured her entering a beach area with Riibe and others shortly after 4:15 a.m. on March 6. Unlike her companions, Konanki did not return around 6 a.m., remaining on the beach with Riibe.
Subsequently, Riibe participated in a nearly four-hour interview with detectives, responding to over 50 questions concerning the circumstances surrounding Konanki’s disappearance.
Family Concerns and Legal Actions
The Riibe family has publicly condemned the manner in which their son has been treated amid the investigation. They assert that he has been subjected to irregular detainment and extensive questioning without the presence of official translators or legal representation until March 12.
“He has been under police surveillance in his hotel room and has faced multiple lengthy interrogations at the police station since March 6,” the family stated through their attorneys. “This has caused significant concern for his family, prompting them to seek legal counsel to protect his rights and ensure his safety.”
Inconsistent Accounts from Riibe
Reports suggest that Riibe has provided conflicting accounts regarding his interaction with Konanki during the crucial timeframe. According to Noticias SIN, he initially claimed to have gone swimming with Konanki but left her in the water after feeling unwell. In a subsequent version, he purportedly stated that he abandoned her in shallow water before collapsing on the beach. In yet another account, he mentioned seeing Konanki walk along the beach before he fell asleep.
As the investigation continues, the search for Sudiksha Konanki remains a priority, highlighting the complexities and challenges often encountered in such missing person cases.
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