Why was Nikitha Godishala murdered? Columbia Police share crucial details; deceased's father says, "Arjun Sharma was her.."

Nikitha Godishala (Image: X.com)

• Nikitha Godishala was found dead in Maryland after a dispute over loan repayment
• Prime suspect Arjun Sharma fled the US after reporting his ex-roommate missing.
• Indian authorities and embassy are assisting with repatriation and investigation

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Nikitha Godishala murder: The father of Nikitha Godishala, the Indian woman discovered dead with stab wounds in an apartment in Maryland, Columbia (US), has claimed that she was murdered following a money dispute with a former roommate, and he urged authorities to expedite the return of her mortal remains.

Nikitha's father Anand Godishala told ANI that his daughter had been lending money to a former roommate who was living in the same apartment complex with other residents.

Why was Nikitha Godishala murdered?

Describing the circumstances leading to the tragedy, Anand explained that four people shared the apartment and that the ex-roommate had borrowed substantial sums from his daughter Nikitha.

When she requested repayment before the man's planned departure to India, he allegedly killed her and fled, according to her father.

Anand requested state and central government intervention to ensure the swift repatriation of his daughter's body.

He clarified that Nikitha had relocated to Columbia four years ago and had been employed there.

"My daughter went to Columbia four years ago. She was working there," he told ANI, while clarifying reports around the accused's identity.

"He was her ex-roommate; it is not right that he was her ex-boyfriend," he added.

The Indian Embassy in Washington confirmed that it is in contact with Nikitha Godishala's family and providing full consular assistance while coordinating closely with local authorities. The mission is also helping with documentation and related procedures.

Nikitha Godishala murder: What did the authorities say bout the suspect?

Howard County police reported that the 27-year-old Nikitha had been reported missing earlier in the week. Her body was subsequently found inside an apartment in Columbia.

Law enforcement officials identified 26-year-old Arjun Sharma as the prime suspect, wanted on first- and second-degree murder charges.

According to police, Sharma had reported Nikitha missing on January 2, and he left the United States shortly afterward.

Officers discovered Nikitha Godishala's body on January 3 while searching Sharma's apartment in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road in Columbia. Howard County police confirmed the following day that her body showed stab wounds.

Additional details emerged from family members, with Nikitha's cousin Saraswati revealing that Nikitha, who resided in nearby Ellicott City, had traveled to Sharma's apartment on December 31 to collect money he owed her.

Saraswati explained that Nikitha had initially transferred USD 4,500, with USD 3,500 having been repaid.

When Sharma subsequently requested another USD 1,000, Nikitha refused and instead asked for the outstanding USD 1,000 from the original loan.

Sharma reportedly assured Nikitha he would return the money, which led to her visiting his apartment, where she was allegedly killed.

Law enforcement officials stated that the investigation is ongoing.

#WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana: On his daughter's body was reportedly found with stab wounds inside her former partner's apartment in Columbia, Maryland, Nikitha Godishala's father, Anand Godishala, says, "Four people used to stay in an apartment. Her ex-roommate used to take a… pic.twitter.com/Ws7Ie7LMoX

— ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2026