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Sudiksha Konanki case: Interpol issues alert for missing Indian-origin student in Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student from Virginia, vanished after heading to a beach near the Riu Republica Hotel with friends on March 6.

Back in Virginia, Konanki’s family is desperate for answers, urging investigators to explore possibilities beyond an accidental drowning, including potential foul play. (Photo: X/@CitizenApp)

Sudiksha Konanki missing case: The warm beaches of Punta Cana in Dominican Republic were meant to be a fun escape for Sudiksha Konanki and her friends. However, what began as a spring break getaway has spiralled into an Interpol alert, as the 20-year-old Indian-origin student vanished without a trace.

Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student and Virginia resident, was last seen in the early hours of March 6, walking toward a beach near the Riu Republica Hotel with her friends. But when they returned, she was missing.

Authorities believe she stayed behind with Joshua Riibe, a man she met on the island. Hours later, surveillance footage captured Riibe leaving the area alone, making him a “person of interest” in the case. However, police have not named him a suspect. Reportedly, during interrogation, he told the police different versions of what happened in the early hours of March 6.

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In the latest development in the case, at the request of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia—where her family resides—Interpol has issued a Yellow Notice. The alert is designed to help locate missing persons in unexplained circumstances.

This also comes after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) joined the local agencies in investigating Konanki’s mysterious disappearance.

“This is another means of assisting the investigation,” department spokesperson Chad Quinn told USA Today.

Search efforts intensify

The case has drawn the attention of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Dominican Republic National Police, the FBI, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the US Department of State. Two detectives from Loudoun County have also traveled to the Dominican Republic to assist in the search.

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Authorities are leaving no stone unturned. “We are using all available resources to conduct a thorough investigation into the disappearance of Konanki,” Dominican Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso said, according to USA Today.

Back in Virginia, Konanki’s family is desperate for answers, urging investigators to consider possibilities beyond an accidental drowning, including potential foul play.

Mystery deepens

Adding to the intrigue, the Riu Republica Hotel confirmed that a 25-hour power outage affected parts of the property before Konanki’s disappearance, although electricity was restored before she was last seen. Whether this is a mere coincidence or a crucial detail remains unclear.

Also Read: | How Ranjani Srinivasan, Indian student at Columbia University whose visa was revoked by the U.S., fled to Canada

Meanwhile, search teams—including the Dominican Navy, Air Force, and emergency responders—have expanded their efforts, scouring coastal areas like Uvero Alto-Macao and Playa Arena Gorda.

For now, Konanki’s whereabouts remain unknown.

(With inputs from USA Today and Dominican Today)

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