Nikitha Godishala murder: Accused ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma who fled US arrested in Tamil Nadu

Nikitha Godishala murder

• Arjun Sharma arrested in Tamil Nadu for allegedly murdering Nikita Godishala.
• Sharma charged with murder; motive under investigation
• Godishala's family alleges Sharma stole $3,500 before fleeing to India

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Arjun Sharma, a 26-year-old Indian national, has been arrested in Tamil Nadu in connection with the alleged murder of his former girlfriend, 27-year-old Indian-American data analyst Nikita Godishala, in Maryland, according to India Today. His arrest comes after an international search coordinated by Interpol.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, Godishala was discovered dead with multiple stab wounds at Sharma’s apartment in Columbia on January 3.

A day earlier, on January 2, Sharma had filed a missing person report, claiming he last saw Godishala on New Year’s Eve. He subsequently left for India the same day.

As per the report, after Godishala’s body was found, the Howard County Police charged Sharma with first- and second-degree murder. The motive for the killing remains unclear as the investigation is still underway.

“We are unaware of any previous calls for service or incidents involving the two of them,” Howard County police spokesman Seth Hoffman told WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren, the report added.

“We do believe it wasn't uncommon that they would still meet each other and have communication after their relationship ended, but we don't have a motive right now as to why he would kill her.”

Godishala had been working as a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health since February 2025 and was recently recognised with the company’s “All-In Award,” India Today reported, citing sources close to the family.

Her family alleged that Sharma had asked both her and them for money before her death.

Nikita’s cousin, Saraswati Godishala, further claimed that Sharma carried out unauthorised transactions from Nikita’s bank account amounting to around $3,500 before fleeing to India under the false pretext of needing treatment for a hand injury.

Saraswati urged the embassy to intervene swiftly to ensure justice for her cousin. She called for coordinated efforts between US and Indian authorities to support a thorough investigation, provide consular assistance, and arrange for Godishala’s remains to be repatriated to India.

The Indian Embassy in the United States said it is in touch with Godishala’s family and is providing consular support. The embassy confirmed that it is “following up on the matter with the local authorities.”