Recent evidence reveals new details into the disappearance case of Indian-origin University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Reublican.
A newly found video obtained by local outlet Noticia SIN shows Konanki and a ‘person of interest’ an outdoor pub before her disappearance from a Punta Cana beach. The footage,, shows Konanki, 20, with friends at a resort pub near Joshua Riibe, who investigators consider a person of interest.
One video segment shows the pre-med student with three companions at the pub. The local news outlet identifies Konanki as the individual who momentarily steps away to a grassy area before returning to embrace a friend enthusiastically.
Separately, the footage captures a young man, believed to be Riibe, appearing unwell outside the pub whilst receiving assistance. His attire matches that seen in earlier surveillance recordings showing him and Konanki walking together approximately two hours before she went missing.
The latest recordings indicate no interaction between the two at the pub, with both being in different social groups.
Another footage displays Konanki and three other young women socialising in the RIU Hotel & Resort lobby prior to the incident.
The undergraduate student, holidaying during spring break in the Dominican Republic, disappeared during the early hours of March 6, leading to an extensive search operation.
Although authorities initially suggested the Indian national may have drowned during adverse sea conditions whilst swimming with Riibe, they continue to explore other possibilities.
Riibe, 22, a St. Cloud University final-year student, remains under police supervision and has undergone hours long questioning. Officials have retained his passport until further notice.
The Iowa resident, whilst under investigation, faces no formal accusations or charges regarding the Virginia student’s disappearance.
As per latest reports, Riibe described being swept away by powerful waves while at the sea with Konanki, and his struggle to rescue both of them from the water. Upon reaching the shore, he was sick from swallowing seawater during their fight for survival. However, he was unable to provide details to the police about subsequent events, stating that when he regained consciousness on the beach, Konanki had vanished. According to police reports, they discovered Konanki’s clothing on a beach chair, as reproted by the New York Post.
Initially, Joshua declined to respond to police inquiries, stating that his lawyers had advised him against answering questions.
