PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic – The search for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh, continues into its second week after she vanished during a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic.
Sudiksha arrived in Punta Cana on March 3, 2025, vacationing with a group of five friends at the Hotel Riu República. However, she has been missing since March 6, when surveillance footage captured her, three of her friends, and two American men leaving the hotel around 4:15 a.m. local time. According to the Dominican Republic National Police, the last sighting of Konanki occurred shortly before 5 a.m., when she and 22-year-old Joshua Riibe were seen at the beach.
Riibe stated in his interviews that he and Konanki were pulled into the ocean by a strong wave while swimming. He reported that they struggled against the rough seas and believed she had managed to get out of the water, but could not confirm it. Riibe is regarded as a key witness in the investigation; however, he remains confined in Punta Cana amid inquiries regarding Konanki’s disappearance.
On March 18, a Dominican court ruled that the ongoing police oversight of Riibe was unlawful, allowing him to leave the hotel where he had been held for over a week. Despite this ruling, Dominican authorities did not return his passport. He expressed a desire to return home to see his family, and his parents have voiced deep sorrow regarding Konanki's situation.
Following extensive search efforts involving over 300 officials and the F.B.I., Dominican President Luis Abinader assured that all government agencies are committed to finding Konanki. He stated, “All government agencies are searching… because the latest information we have is that a wave, while on the beach, crashed into them.”
Konanki's family has been actively involved in the case; they have expressed gratitude to the investigators while also seeking closure. A spokesperson for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office shared their belief that she likely drowned. “Sudiksha’s family has expressed their belief that she drowned,” the sheriff said in a statement.
As the investigation unfolded, Riibe was interviewed multiple times, and he appeared cooperative, leading law enforcement to affirm that there were no immediate indications of foul play. Konanki’s parents, Subbarayudu and SreeDevi, have submitted a written request to authorities asking for their daughter to be declared dead, indicating their acceptance of the possibility that she drowned.
As the investigation evolves, the search area has shifted from the hotel vicinity to the surrounding beaches. Authorities have employed various resources, including drones and marine divers, to thoroughly search the area where she was last seen.
The legal framework in the Dominican Republic surrounding the handling of witnesses in missing persons cases has sparked discussions, particularly about Riibe's rights during his confinement. Legal experts emphasize that any detention over 48 hours without formal charges raises international concerns regarding due process. Jason Pack, a retired FBI agent and child abduction expert, remarked, “If he is restricted from leaving the country without official legal basis, that’s still a violation of international human rights standards.”
While officials emphasize the current investigation centers on locating Konanki rather than on criminal proceedings, her disappearance has captured significant media attention. The case has highlighted the broader issues of tourism safety in the Dominican Republic, a nation deeply reliant on international visitors.
The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has been in contact with Riibe and his family, ensuring he has access to necessary legal assistance. The embassy continues to monitor the case closely, affirming its commitment to protecting citizens abroad.
As a family mourns the unthinkable, Sudiksha Konanki's disappearance shines a light on the delicate balance between the allure of travel and the potential dangers that come with it. The unfolding events serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and awareness when vacationing overseas.
Amidst the uncertainty, her friends remain hopeful that answers will soon emerge, allowing for closure in what has become a tragic and deeply impactful story.
