Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old college student from the United States, went missing from the beach at the Riu República Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in the early hours of March 6. Her disappearance has triggered an urgent search involving authorities from the Dominican Republic, the US, and her homeland, India.
The last person believed to have seen her was Joshua Steven Riibe, 22, who reported that both he and Konanki were caught in a powerful wave that swept them away from the shore. Riibe, an American student not deemed a suspect, detailed his struggle to rescue Konanki after the wave struck. Despite being a trained lifeguard, he was unable to save her as fatigue took over and he eventually lost sight of her while fighting against the currents.
Konanki was reportedly enjoying spring break with fellow students from the University of Pittsburgh. Surveillance footage indicates that she entered the beach with a group in the early hours, but Riibe stated that she stayed behind as others left. After failing to find her later in the day, her friends reported her missing.
As the investigation continues, Konanki’s father expressed concerns, suggesting that authorities should explore other scenarios, including the possibility of kidnapping or human trafficking. He doubts that she could survive for long in the water, raising alarms over her status.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, where her family resides, has cautioned against hasty public speculation regarding the case and emphasised the importance of a thorough investigation. Riibe’s family has also requested privacy while they navigate this difficult situation.