The search for a missing U.S. college student in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic has intensified. Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh and an Indian citizen, disappeared on March 6. Authorities are searching the waters in case she drowned. Joshua Riibe, a student from Minnesota who is believed to be the last person to see her, met with officials on the beach. According to a reported interview transcript, Riibe stated that they were pulled out to sea by a strong tide while kissing in waist-deep water. He swam her back to shore but lost sight of her when he turned around. Riibe’s parents have raised concerns about his detention without proper conditions, and have hired a lawyer to protect his rights. The FBI is also involved in the investigation of Konanki’s disappearance.
