Sudiksha Konanki. BBC
The family of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, has asked authorities in the Dominican Republic to declare her legally dead. Sudiksha vanished while on a spring break trip in early March. She was last seen at a beach near her hotel in Punta Cana.
Local police confirmed they received the family’s request but didn’t share further details. Officers have been searching for her for two weeks, considering the possibility that she drowned. However, they have not ruled out foul play.
The Last Person to See Her
Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old American college student, was the last known person to see Sudiksha. He is not considered a suspect, and police say no one has been charged in connection with her disappearance.
Sudiksha, originally from India, lived in Virginia with her family and held permanent U.S. residency. She was majoring in biology and chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh.
What Happened That Night?
According to reports, Sudiksha was last spotted around 4 a.m. on March 6. She was seen on CCTV with her friends, Riibe, and another American man heading toward the beach. While her friends returned to the hotel, she stayed behind with Riibe.
Riibe claims that a powerful wave pulled them into the sea. He struggled to swim back to shore and says he believes Sudiksha managed to get out of the water. However, she mysteriously vanished afterward.
Riibe’s parents released a statement expressing their hopes for Sudiksha’s safe return. “We hope she is found as soon as possible,” they said, urging for transparency and justice in the investigation.
Riibe Detained and Released
Riibe was detained in the Dominican Republic for over a week but was released after a judge ruled he could not be held without charges. His lawyer confirmed that Riibe has since left the country and obtained a new passport after his original one was confiscated by local authorities.
During his court appearance, Riibe pleaded for his release. “I just want to go home and see my family,” he said, adding that he had already helped with the investigation for 10 days.
Although Riibe was freed, Dominican authorities still consider him a witness. He reportedly met with Sudiksha’s mother, who hugged him and thanked him for trying to save her daughter from the strong wave.
Search Efforts Continue
Police are still searching both on land and in the water. Drones are scanning the ocean, and AI technology is analyzing footage for any clues. Officers say there is no evidence of foul play, as no blood or signs of violence were found at the beach.
Global Alert Issued
Interpol has issued a yellow notice, an international alert used for missing persons. This measure is taken in cases of kidnappings or unexplained disappearances.
Meanwhile, Sudiksha’s university is working with U.S. federal agencies, including the FBI and Homeland Security, to assist in the investigation.
