• Authorities have located clothing believed to belong to Sudiksha Konanki on a beach chair in Punta Cana.
• Konanki was last seen with Joshua Riibe, who is now a person of interest in the case.
• The search for the missing student is entering its second week, involving extensive local and international resources.
• Riibe has reportedly faced questioning and is under surveillance but is not considered a suspect.
• The investigation is still exploring both drowning and foul play as possibilities in Konanki's disappearance.

Authorities in the Dominican Republic reported a significant development in the case of missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki, whose clothing was found on a beach chair in Punta Cana where she disappeared over a week ago. Images show a white netted sarong and beige flip-flops that closely match the outfit she was last seen wearing on March 6, just before her disappearance according to India Times.

Konanki, 20, was reported missing after going out for a walk on the beach with friends during a spring break trip. Earlier surveillance footage showed her alongside Joshua Riibe, 22, shortly before they parted ways from their group. Although Riibe has maintained he tried to rescue her from rough waters, he has given conflicting accounts regarding the events of that night, causing Dominican authorities to designate him a person of interest, though not a suspect at this time ABC News reports.

Since the investigation commenced, over 300 local officials and resources from agencies including the FBI have been engaged in a search operation. The Dominican National Police have intensified their efforts, incorporating both land and underwater searches, while also interviewing individuals who interacted with Konanki during her time in Punta Cana according to CBS News. Furthermore, the investigation is evaluating potential drownings alongside possibilities of foul play.

Riibe's position in the inquiry has raised red flags, especially as his family expressed concerns about the conditions surrounding his questioning. They claim he had been subjected to extensive interrogation without proper legal representation until recently. Despite these challenges, both he and his family extend their condolences to Konanki's loved ones while emphasizing his cooperation with investigators ABC News.

As the search for Sudiksha Konanki stands at a critical juncture, the hope for her safe return remains a shared sentiment among all involved.