Multiple revelations have emerged in the case of missing Indian-origin student Sudiksha Konanki in the Dominican Republic.

Footage has shown missing University of Pittsburgh student Konanki and Joshua Riibe, the person of interest, at an outdoor bar before she vanished from a Punta Cana beach. The videos were obtained by a local media outlet Noticia SIN. 

What did the videos show?

Konanki and person of interest Joshua Steven Riibe were reportedly seen at the bar of the Hotel Riu República, hours before the young woman’s mysterious disappearance on March 6 at a beach in Punta Cana. In the footage, each of them appears separately, bent over the green area, seemingly vomiting.

At another moment, the young woman appears cheerful and energetic; she can even be seen jumping and hugging a friend.

This new material could provide crucial clues about Konanki’s final moments before disappearing on the beach at dawn while in the company of Riibe.

This audiovisual follows the first video where they are seen coming down and hugging.

However, Konanki and Riibe do not interact in any of the videos.

Why was Riibe named as a ‘person of interest’?

Riibe was named a ‘person of interest’, but not a suspect. He and Konanki spent time on the beach ‘kissing’ before her disappearance, Riibe told local authorities in an interview, according to news reports.

Ribbe reportedly informed local investigators that they were in waist-deep water, talking and sharing a brief kiss, when a powerful wave suddenly swept them both out to sea. 

He recounted his struggle to keep her breathing while also trying to stay afloat, which caused him to swallow a significant amount of water. Currently detained at the Riu República amid the ongoing investigation, Riibe claimed that he managed to bring both himself and Konanki back to shore. 

He stated that the last time he saw her, he asked if she was okay, but upon receiving no response and not seeing her nearby, he assumed she had gathered her belongings and left.

Interpol issues notice 

A global alert in search of Konanki was launched by Interpol. A yellow notice was issued by Interpol stating the identity particulars of Konanki.

The 20-year-old is 1.6-metre tall and has three piercings on her right ear, the Interpol notice read. She has black hair and brown-coloured eyes, it added. Her father’s name is Konanki Subbaryudu.