Dominican Police Concludes Surveillance of Joshua Riibe Amid…

Joshua Riibe’s police surveillance has ended, and his passport is expected to be returned amidst the investigation into the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki. After a habeas corpus hearing, Riibe was classified as a witness, and authorities are continuing their inquiries while Konanki’s family seeks a formal declaration regarding her fate.

The authorities in the Dominican Republic have discontinued police surveillance of Joshua Riibe, connected to the case of the missing student Sudiksha Konanki. His passport, expected to be returned on Thursday, was not given back after a habeas corpus hearing that sought to release him from custody following his detention over the weekend.

Riibe’s father traveled from Iowa to support his son at the hearing, which led to the determination that he was no longer a person of interest after interviews between local law enforcement, Riibe, and his representatives on March 13. The prosecutor’s office indicated that Riibe’s passport would be provided soon, despite initial efforts to obtain a new one through the U.S. embassy.

Although Riibe has not been charged, he was kept under surveillance after Konanki’s disappearance on March 6 in Punta Cana. He has asserted that he spent time with her the previous night. The judge categorized him as a witness rather than a suspect, justifying his freedom of movement, yet refraining from returning the passport due to jurisdictional reasons.

Sudiksha Konanki, originally from Chantilly, Virginia, was in the Dominican Republic for spring break as a University of Pittsburgh student. During the hearing, Riibe recounted being interviewed for extended periods and restrictions on his mobility, and he expressed a strong desire to return home.

A representative from Riibe’s defense conveyed condolences to Konanki’s family during such tragic circumstances, expressing a shared hope for her safe return. Meanwhile, Konanki’s family requested a formal declaration of her death, acknowledging faith in the ongoing investigation while preparing to comply with legal procedures. A ruling on the matter is anticipated on March 28.

The Dominican Republic is set to return Joshua Riibe’s passport after lifting his police surveillance linked to the missing student Sudiksha Konanki. Although he is no longer considered a suspect, authorities continue to investigate the case as her family prepares for possible legal proceedings about her status. The community hopes for a resolution as the court’s decision date approaches.

Original Source: fox17.com