While the prime suspect, Arjun Sharma, initially fled from the United States of America, he was arrested in Tamil Nadu, following an international manhunt.
Published Jan 05, 2026 | 11:27 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 05, 2026 | 11:27 PM
Murder. (Representative image)
Synopsis: Howard Country police, in a release, said that they had located Nikitha, who was reported missing on 2 January, dead, with stab wounds in the Columbia apartment of her ex-boyfriend and obtained a warrant for his arrest on “first and second degree murder.”
In a chilling crime that crossed borders, 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala from Secunderabad was found brutally stabbed to death in her former boyfriend, Arjun Sharma’s apartment in Columbia, Maryland, on 3 January.
While the prime suspect, Arjun Sharma, initially fled from the United States of America, he was arrested in Tamil Nadu, following an international manhunt.
On 2 January, Sharma filed a missing person complaint with Howard County Police. He claimed he last saw Nikitha on 31 December around 7 pm. The same day, he boarded a flight to India, citing a hand injury that required urgent treatment. He reached India around 2.30 am on 4 January.
Based on the missing complaint, police searched the apartment on Twin Rivers Road on 3 January and found Nikitha’s body. She had suffered multiple stab wounds.
An arrest warrant was issued the next day, charging Sharma with murder. Howard County Police, along with US federal agencies and Interpol, launched a global hunt. Sharma was finally arrested in Tamil Nadu on 5 January.
Extradition proceedings are expected to begin shortly under the US–India extradition treaty. The process could take several months.
Howard Country police, in a release, said that they had located Nikitha, who was reported missing on 2 January, dead, with stab wounds in the Columbia apartment of her ex-boyfriend and obtained a warrant for his arrest on “first and second degree murder.”
Police said there were no prior reports of violence between the two. They added that the motive, possibly linked to the financial dispute, is still under investigation.
Investigators say the two argued over money. Sharma, 26, shared the apartment with Nikitha and two others. He had borrowed money from Nikitha and her sister, Saraswati.
On 27 December, Saraswati transferred $4,500 to Sharma. He returned only $3,500. Nikitha reportedly questioned him about the remaining $1,000 on New Year’s Eve.
Police believe the murder occurred that night. Investigators also suspect Sharma made unauthorised withdrawals of about $3,500 from Nikitha’s bank account before fleeing.
Nikitha worked as a data and strategy analyst at Vheda Health in Columbia. She joined the company in February 2025. Recently, she received the firm’s “All-In Award” for exceptional performance.
She had moved to the United States four years ago to pursue a master’s degree in Health Information Technology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Earlier, she completed pharmacy studies at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University.
Her professional journey included stints as a clinical pharmacist intern and clinical data specialist at KIMS Hospitals in Hyderabad, and data analytics roles in the US.
Nikitha’s family has demanded swift justice. Her father, Anand Godishala, pointed to the financial angle and Sharma’s pattern of borrowing money. Her sister Saraswati urged authorities in both countries to work together and ensure the repatriation of Nikitha’s body.
The Indian Embassy in the US said it is extending consular assistance to the family and is in touch with local authorities.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
