Who was Nikitha Godishala? Indian woman found dead in US, ex-boyfriend flees to India

Indian national Nikitha Godishala was found dead in Maryland, US.

• Nikitha Godishala found dead with stab wounds in ex-boyfriend's Maryland apartment
• Arjun Sharma charged with murder, fled to India after reporting her missing
• US and India coordinating on extradition; investigation remains ongoing

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A 27-year-old Indian woman, Nikitha Godishala, was found dead with stab wounds inside her former boyfriend’s apartment in Columbia, Maryland, days after he reported her missing, US authorities said.

Howard County Police on Sunday confirmed that they have issued an arrest warrant for 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, charging him with first- and second-degree murder in connection with Godishala’s death.

Sharma, Godishala’s ex-boyfriend, reportedly filed a missing-person report on January 2, claiming he last saw her on New Year’s Eve at his apartment on the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road. Investigators later learned that Sharma had left the United States for India on the same day he reported her missing.

Detectives believe the killing occurred shortly after 7 pm on December 31, based on preliminary findings. A search warrant executed at Sharma’s apartment on January 3 led to the discovery of Godishala’s body, showing visible stab wounds.

Authorities have not yet determined a motive, and the investigation remains ongoing. Federal law enforcement agencies are assisting Howard County police in locating and apprehending Sharma.

The Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, said it is in contact with Godishala’s family and providing consular support. “The Embassy is in contact with the family of Ms. Nikitha Godishala and is extending all possible consular assistance. The Embassy is also following up on the matter with the local authorities,” the statement read.

The Embassy is in contact with the family of Ms. Nikitha Godishala and is extending all possible consular assistance. The Embassy is also following up the matter with the local authorities. @MEAIndia

— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) January 4, 2026

About Nikitha Godishala

Godishala lived in Ellicott City, Howard County, and was a healthcare professional with a strong background in data analytics. According to her LinkedIn profile, she had experience in pharmacy, clinical research, health information technology, and data management.

She earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in India and completed a master’s in Health Information Technology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Friends of Godishala raised the alarm when she went missing on January 2. During the search, Sharma’s departure to India and the subsequent discovery of her body intensified the investigation.

Legal proceedings and extradition

Sharma is now wanted in connection with Godishala’s death. First-degree murder charges in the US apply to premeditated killings, while second-degree charges cover intentional but unplanned homicides.

The United States and India maintain an extradition treaty, allowing cooperation in serious criminal cases. However, extradition usually involves judicial review and diplomatic coordination, which can take months. Authorities are coordinating with federal agencies to bring Sharma to justice.

Howard County police emphasised that the investigation is ongoing and no motive has been confirmed. Investigators are examining all leads and working closely with the Indian Embassy to ensure the family receives timely updates.

Community reaction

The tragic death of Godishala has shocked the Indian community in the US. Authorities are urging anyone with information on Sharma’s whereabouts to come forward to assist in the investigation.

This case underscores the importance of swift law enforcement action and international cooperation in cases where suspects flee across borders.