As 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki‘s disappearance from a beach in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic remains a mystery, FBI Los Angeles has warned spring break travelers to take certain precautions and be extra vigilant while travelling. Virginia’s Konanki went to DR on a vacation from where she mysteriously disappeared with officials initially thinking that she drowned. Her body was not found to date.
The case came to a heartbreaking conclusion with Konanki’s parents urging the DR officials to declare her officially dead so that they could move on with their lives, grieve and respect the memories of Konanki.
FBI Los Angeles told travelers to check the State Department’s travel advisories — about security threats overseas. “Whether it’s families looking to escape the final throes of winter or a college student seeking a brief respite from the rigors of academic life, know that the risks are there,” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis said in a statement. “Maintain vigilance throughout your travels and be prepared to contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate should the need arise.”
In the Caribbean, Haiti has the highest and level 4 travel advisory, meaning “do not travel,” followed by Jamaica at level 3, which means US citizens should “reconsider travel.”
FBI shares tips for travelers to stay safe over spring break
- Establish points of contact for your family to reference in the event of an emergency.
- Avoid traveling alone, especially after dark. Be conscious of your surroundings and avoid areas you believe may put your personal safety at risk.
- Use only authorized taxis/shuttles. Passengers have been robbed or kidnapped when using taxis.
- Avoid actions that are illegal, improper, or indiscreet. Avoid offers of sexual companionship; they may lead to a room raid, photography, and blackmail.
- Evade criminals by being aware of your surroundings and alert to the possibility of surveillance. Take mental notes of anyone following you and promptly report it to the appropriate security officials.
- Beware of new acquaintances who probe for information about you or who attempt to get you involved in what could become a compromising situation.
Was there any foul play in Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance?
Sudiksha’s parents initially suspected foul play and insisted that she could not drown. Joshua Riibe, a 24-year-old man from Iowa, who was last seen with Konanki was detained and questioned. He said he went to the sea with Konanki when they were caught in strong waves. He fought against the waves and pulled Konanki out of the rough waters and then passed out on the shores. He said when he woke up in the morning, Konanki was not there. Konanki’s parents now believe Riibe was not involved in any foul play and they thanked him for cooperation in the probe following which Riibe was allowed to come back home from DR.
