Sudiksha Konanki case: Missing Indian-American’s friend Joshua Riibe spotted on beach with investigators in Punta Cana

Joshua Riibe, a friend of missing Indian-American student Sudiksha Konanki, was reportedly spotted with investigators and his attorney on beach in Punta Cana. Riibe, who was last seen with her at 4:15 am on 6 March, indicated towards sea, while the group of security officials prevented people from the area.

As part of the probe, Riibe said that he was trying to assist them. “The ocean is a dangerous place,” he told NBC News. His attorneys informed that Dominican authorities seized Riibe's passport. According to US authorities, it is a missing person's case than criminal matter.

He “has been confined to the hotel since the investigation began. He is permanently escorted by the police anywhere he goes. So no, he is not free to leave,” the law firm, on behalf of Riibe, told NBC news in an email response. The National Police didn't immediately remark on the development.

Livemint could not independently verify the news report.

Riibe on Konanki

Both Konanki and Riibua had last travelled to the sea. “The last time I saw her, I asked if she was OK. I didn't hear her answer. I looked around and didn't see anyone. I thought she'd grabbed her things and left,” Riibe recalled the incident, informing Dominican authorities he was startled to learn about her disappearance.

"I kept trying to get her to breathe, but that didn't allow me to breathe all the time, and I swallowed a lot of water," he narrated to local investigators, adding they were “in waist-deep water, talking and kissing a little". A wave came and made them exit the sea, he further said.

Virginia Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Thomas Julia had informed Fox News Digital that Riibe is a ‘person of interest’ and not a suspect. “Despite his full willingness to cooperate, Josh has been detained under irregular conditions and subjected to extensive questioning without the presence of official translators or legal counsel until Wednesday, March 12,” WTAE-TV had quoted Riibe's parents as saying.