Missing Pittsburgh Student's Venmo Activity in Dominican Republic Revealed: A Boat, a Nightclub, and an Unknown User

Venmo transactions from missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki, 20, have shed light on her last known activities before she disappeared in the Dominican Republic.

On March 5, Konanki made two payments through the app, according to The New York Post. The first one, at 2:54 p.m. to an unnamed "new user," described with a sailboat emoji, and another at 3:38 p.m. to Ananya Chilakamarri, a fellow student on the trip, labeled "Coco Bongo," referencing a well-known nightclub in Punta Cana.

Konanki was last seen with Joshua Riibe, a 24-year-old American who claimed he saved her from drowning after they were caught in a strong wave. Riibe, who has been interviewed multiple times by local prosecutors, is not considered a suspect and has not been accused of wrongdoing, according to CNN.

Riibe described a struggle to bring Konanki to safety, stating that his prior experience as a lifeguard at a swimming pool did not prepare him for the conditions at sea. "I grabbed her and pulled her out. I held her under my arm and swam to get her out of the water," he said. "It took me a long time to get her out. It was difficult." He added that he swallowed a significant amount of water and could have lost consciousness multiple times.

Security footage from the Riu Republica resort captured Riibe and Konanki heading toward the beach around 4 a.m. on March 6. Hours later, at 9:55 a.m., Riibe was seen returning alone. Konanki's friends reported her missing at approximately 4 p.m. that day.

Authorities in the Dominican Republic, with assistance from the FBI and Interpol, have deployed drones, divers, sniffer dogs, and hundreds of officers in an extensive search operation. A "yellow notice" was issued by Interpol, signaling a global missing person alert. Government officials have stated that while large-scale search efforts will continue through at least Sunday, investigations could extend for months in a reduced capacity.

Riibe's family has expressed support for him, with his aunt, Theresa Riibe, requesting privacy. "Our family is going through a very difficult time right now, and we're experiencing a lot of sadness and pain," she said in a statement to CNN. Konanki's family has continued to call for intensified search efforts as they await further developments.