A 27-year-old Indian origin woman, was murdered in Maryland. Investigators obtained a murder arrest warrant against ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma.
New Delhi: Indian woman in the United States has triggered an international investigation. Nikitha Godishala, a 27-year-old Indian national, was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside her ex-boyfriend’s apartment in Columbia, Maryland. US police have charged her former partner, Arjun Sharma, with first- and second-degree murder. After allegedly killing her, Sharma reported her missing and fled to India.
The Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, has confirmed it is providing full consular support to Godishala’s family. US authorities are working with federal agencies to locate and arrest the accused.
Discovery of the Body and Initial Investigation
Nikitha Godishala lived in Ellicott City, Maryland. Police found her dead on January 3, 2026, inside an apartment in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road in Columbia. The apartment belonged to her ex-boyfriend, Arjun Sharma.
Detectives from the Howard County Police Department (HCPD) searched the apartment after Sharma had reported her missing the day before. During the search, police discovered Godishala’s body. The medical examiner later confirmed that the cause of death was stab wounds.
Investigators believe that the murder occurred shortly after 7:00 pm on December 31, 2025.
Timeline of Events: What Happened When
The events unfolded over a short span during the New Year period:
• December 31, 2025: Nikitha Godishala was last seen at Arjun Sharma’s apartment in Columbia. Police believe she was killed shortly after 7:00 pm that evening.
• January 2, 2026: Sharma contacted Howard County Police to report Godishala missing, claiming he had last seen her on New Year’s Eve.
• Later on January 2, 2026: Sharma boarded a flight from Dulles International Airport and left the United States for India.
• January 3, 2026: Police executed a search warrant at Sharma’s apartment and found Godishala’s body.
Following the discovery, police issued an arrest warrant for Sharma on charges of first- and second-degree murder.
Who Was Nikitha Godishala?
Nikitha Rao Godishala was a highly accomplished professional in the healthcare data sector. At the time of her death, she worked as a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health in Columbia, Maryland, a position she had held since February 2025.
In recognition of her strong performance, she received the company’s “All-In Award” within a year of joining.
Before this, Godishala worked as a Data Analysis and Visualisation Specialist (Technical Advisor) at Management Sciences for Health for over a year. She also worked at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) from June 2022 to May 2023.
Prior to moving to the United States, she built her career in India. She worked as a Clinical Pharmacist intern at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospitals for 1.5 years and later served for two years as a Clinical Data Specialist.
Educational Background and Personal Profile
Godishala held a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, which she completed between June 2015 and September 2021. She later earned a Master’s degree in Health Information Technology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
She was fluent in English, Hindi, and Telugu and was deeply passionate about using data and technology to improve healthcare systems and patient outcomes.
Who Is the Accused, Arjun Sharma?
Arjun Sharma, 26, lived in Columbia, Maryland, and was Nikitha Godishala’s ex-boyfriend. After filing a missing person report on January 2, he left the US for India the same day.
While police have not shared detailed background information about Sharma, authorities have confirmed that they are working with federal law enforcement agencies and international partners to locate and arrest him.
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Official Response from Police and Indian Embassy
The Howard County Police Department stated that investigators are continuing the probe and have not yet identified a clear motive.
In an official statement, police said:
“Based on their investigation, detectives believe Sharma killed Godishala shortly after 7 p.m. on December 31. Investigators continue to probe the case and have not identified a motive so far.”
The Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, has confirmed that it is in close contact with Godishala’s family and is providing all necessary consular assistance. The embassy is also coordinating with local US authorities and India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to track developments in the case.
A Case That Raises Serious Concerns
This tragic case has once again drawn attention to issues of domestic violence, relationship-related crimes, and the serious challenges faced by law enforcement when suspects flee across international borders.
Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the case to contact the Howard County Police Department as the investigation continues.
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