A 27-year-old Indian woman reported missing in Maryland has been found dead inside the apartment of her former boyfriend, prompting US authorities to launch an international manhunt after the suspect allegedly fled to India.
The victim, Nikitha Godishala, lived in Ellicott City in Howard County and worked as a data and strategy analyst in the United States. Police said her body, bearing multiple stab wounds, was recovered on January 3 from an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, owned by Arjun Sharma, 26.
Investigators believe Godishala was killed on December 31, shortly after 7 pm. Sharma has been charged with both first- and second-degree murder, and an arrest warrant has been issued in his name.
According to Howard County Police, Sharma approached officers on January 2 to file a missing-person report, claiming he had last seen Godishala at his apartment on New Year’s Eve. Later the same day, authorities learned that Sharma had left the United States on a flight to India, raising immediate suspicion.
Detectives subsequently obtained a search warrant and conducted a search of the apartment on January 3, where Godishala’s body was discovered. Police said they are now working with US federal law enforcement agencies to trace Sharma’s whereabouts and secure his arrest. No motive has been officially established so far.
Victim’s Sister Alleges Money Dispute Before Killing
Godishala’s sister, Saraswati Godishala, has alleged that a financial dispute preceded the killing. She stated that Sharma requested money on December 27, after which she transferred USD 4,500 to him. While USD 3,500 was returned, USD 1,000 allegedly remained unpaid.
She further claimed that Sharma contacted her again on January 2 asking for additional funds, which she refused. According to Saraswati, Nikitha followed up with Sharma on December 31 regarding the remaining amount and was last seen with him that day.
The sister also alleged that Sharma carried out unauthorised transactions of around USD 3,500 from Nikitha’s bank account before leaving the US, reportedly citing a hand injury and the need for urgent medical treatment. Travel details shared by the family indicate that Sharma arrived in India at around 2.30 am on January 4, 2026.
The Indian Embassy in the United States confirmed it is in contact with Godishala’s family and is extending consular support. “The Embassy is also following up the matter with the local authorities,” it said.
Nikitha Godishala’s Professional Career
Professionally, Godishala was employed at Vheda Health in Columbia, Maryland, where she joined in February 2025 and later received the company’s ‘All-In Award’. She previously worked with Management Sciences for Health and had academic and professional associations with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Originally from India, she began her career at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospitals as a Clinical Pharmacist intern before moving into a Clinical Data Specialist role. She completed her pharmacy degree at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University between 2015 and 2021 and later pursued a master’s degree in Health Information Technology in the US.
Fluent in English, Hindi, and Telugu, Godishala was remembered by colleagues as dedicated and ambitious, with a strong commitment to improving healthcare outcomes through data-driven work.
Authorities have noted that the United States and India share an extradition treaty, though such cases typically involve prolonged legal and diplomatic procedures. The investigation remains ongoing as efforts continue to locate and apprehend Sharma.
