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The Dominican Republic Attorney General’s Office confirmed that it has assembled a high-level joint task force to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student from Chantilly who vanished in Punta Cana last week.
Authorities say they are exploring all possibilities.
"The prosecuting authority is conducting extensive investigative procedures and are exploring all possible options, accidental and intentional," officials said. "We remain committed to ensuring confidentiality in accordance with Dominican procedural law governing this stage of the investigation.
Konanki, a citizen of India and permanent US resident, arrived in the Dominican Republic with friends on March 3 and was last seen near a beach entrance at 4:15 a.m. on March 6, surveillance footage shows.
“We are using all available resources to conduct a thorough investigation into the disappearance of Konanki Sudiksha Chowdary, and we fully appreciate the distress this incident is causing her family, and the great concern of Dominican and US citizens,” Dominican Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso said.
Authorities say all scenarios remain under investigation, and they are treating the case with the "highest level of urgency."
Since she was reported missing, Dominican authorities have deployed ground, air, and sea search teams with the help of the National Police, Criminal Investigations Directorate (DICRIM), Tourist Police (POLITUR), Dominican Navy, Dominican Air Force, Civil Defense, and the Fire Department.
Search operations have been focused on Uvero Alto-Macao, Macao-Playa Arena Gorda, and Cortecito-Playa Arena Gorda, officials said.
Meanwhile, the FBI and HSI have officially stepped in, working alongside Dominican authorities after a formal request for US assistance.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has also filed for a Yellow Notice through INTERPOL, issuing a global alert about Konanki’s disappearance.
"We trust the authorities and recognize the joint efforts of the Public Ministry, the FBI and the HSI to clarify the disappearance of student Sudiksha Chowdary," a spokesperson from the Dominican Republic Hotel and Tourism Association stated.
"We reiterate our desire for a prompt resolution and remain available to the authorities to assist in any way necessary."
Authorities have also identified a person of interest, Joshua Riibe, who was reportedly seen on surveillance video with Konanki shortly before she disappeared.
While Riibe has reportedly been interviewed at length, he has not been charged with any crime, officials said.
Authorities continue to urge caution against speculation as the case remains active and ongoing.
“As with any disappearance under similar circumstances, we are implementing a thorough investigative protocol that considers all possible factors," Reynoso added.
"The young woman’s family, the Dominican public, and the US community can rest assured that we will continue to pursue all investigative efforts until we obtain the answers that the authorities are duty-bound to provide."
Anyone with information about the case is urged to call the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office at 703-777-1021 or Loudoun Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919.
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