The family of missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki has formally requested that Dominican authorities declare her deceased, as the search for the 20-year-old continues with few leads.
Dominican Republic National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira confirmed to NBC News that Konanki’s family submitted an official letter to the agency seeking a declaration of death. Konanki, an Indian citizen and a student at the University of Pittsburgh, vanished in the early hours of March 6 while in the resort town of Punta Cana.
Investigation focuses on the last known witness
Authorities have intensified their investigation, scouring the waters amid concerns she may have drowned. Minnesota student Joshua Riibe, believed to be the last person to see Konanki before her disappearance, has been detained by Dominican police, though he has not been named as a suspect.
According to Riibe’s attorneys, Dominican authorities confiscated his passport on Friday as part of the ongoing investigation. On Sunday, he and his lawyer met with officials at the beach where Konanki was last seen. On Monday, his attorney formally requested his release, with a judge expected to issue a ruling on Tuesday, an official said on the condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly.
Witness account raises more questions
In an interview with prosecutors, as reported by Dominican media and confirmed by NBC and Telemundo, Riibe recounted his final moments with Konanki. He claimed they had been drinking on the beach and kissing in waist-deep water when a strong tide pulled them out to sea. Riibe, a former lifeguard, told investigators he managed to swim them both back to shore but vomited from exhaustion upon reaching land. He said Konanki told him she was going to retrieve her belongings, but when he looked up, she was gone. He later said he was shocked to learn of her disappearance.
Riibe’s family claims irregular detention
Riibe’s parents have publicly criticized Dominican authorities, alleging their son has been held “under irregular conditions” without access to translators or legal counsel. They claim he has been confined to a hotel room under police surveillance for over a week and subjected to repeated interrogations despite his full cooperation.
Albert and Tine Riibe, Joshua’s parents, released a statement on Friday saying they have retained legal representation to ensure their son’s rights are protected. However, their statement did not provide details on Konanki’s disappearance or their son’s relationship with her. Dominican public prosecutors have not responded to their claims.
FBI joins investigation
Amid the ongoing uncertainty, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has stepped in to assist in the investigation into Konanki’s disappearance. As the case unfolds, her family remains desperate for answers, urging authorities to take decisive action in officially recognizing her presumed death.