Passport taken from last person to see missing Sudiksha Konanki

The Takeaways:

• Intensive Questioning and Surveillance: Joshua Steven Riibe, the last person known to have seen Sudiksha Konanki, is undergoing intensive questioning by authorities and remains under police surveillance with his passport confiscated.
• Community Support: The Rock Rapids community and friends of the Riibe family have expressed their support for Joshua Riibe, emphasizing his family’s active involvement in the community since moving there in 2015.
• Investigation Details: Riibe is considered a “key element” in the investigation but not a suspect. He and Konanki were last seen together in the ocean, and while foul play has not been ruled out, authorities initially suspected drowning.

The Details:

The last person known to have seen missing spring break student Sudiksha Konanki is expected to undergo more intensive questioning from police today.

CNN reports the attorney general of the Dominican Republican questioned Joshua Steven Riibe for some six hours this weekend and that interrogation is expected to continue today.

Authorities also confiscated Riibe’s passport and reportedly remains under police surveillance.

Friends of the Riibe family issued a statement this weekend stating their support for the Iowa man and his family.

“The Rock Rapids community stands behind and supports Joshua Riibe and his family,” the statement made available to Fox News said. The statement released by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office on behalf of friends of the Riibe family, said. “The Riibe family moved to town in 2015 and has been active in various school and community events and organizations. They are well known and loved.”

Riibe is not considered a suspect in the disappearance of the Indian American student but has been described as a “key element” in the investigation.

The two had been kissing in waist deep ocean water when hit by large waves.

According to the International Business Times, he is a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota and has worked as a pool lifeguard. He only met Konanki the night she disappeared.

A spokesperson for the Caribbean nation says Riibe remains in custody at RIU Hotel & Resort in Punta Cana and is considered a person of interest.

Konanki has been missing since March 6. While authorities originally suspected she had drowned, they have not excluded foul play.

The two were in a group, but were later left alone at the beach when the others returned to their hotels.

Hotel resort cameras show the two holding hands on the beach and unsteady. Ribbe told authorities they were struck by large waves, but that he brought her ashore where he passed out.