Indian-Origin Woman Found Dead In US; Ex-Boyfriend, Accused Of Murder, Flees To India

New Delhi: In yet another shocking incident, a 27-year-old Indian-origin woman, who was reported missing earlier this month, has been found dead inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, US police said.

As per the police, the victim, identified as Nikitha Godishala, a resident of Ellicott City, was reported missing on January 2. Her body was later discovered inside an apartment located in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road in Columbia. 

According to the investigators, the apartment belongs to 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, whom they identified as Godishala’s former boyfriend. Reports stated that Sharma had filed the missing person report with Howard County police on January 2 and informed the officers that he last saw Godishala on December 31 at his apartment located on Columbia’s Twin Rivers Road. 

Amid the probe, an arrest warrant charging the ex-boyfriend with both first- and second-degree murder has been obtained by the investigators. 

On January 3, detectives executed a search warrant at the same apartment and found Godishala dead with stab wounds.

Meanwhile, the cops added that Sharma fled to India on the same day he reported Godishala missing. Further investigation hints that Sharma killed Godishala shortly after 7 pm on December 31. 

The investigation in this regard is underway and no motive is known at this time and the Howard County police said they are now working with federal law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest the ex-boyfriend. 

Indian Embassy in touch with family

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy said it is in contact with the family of Nikitha Godishala and is extending all possible consular assistance. 

“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 post said.

The Indian Embassy said it is providing all required support to the bereaved family, including assistance with documentation and coordination with local officials. The Embassy is also monitoring developments in the investigation and remains in touch with concerned agencies, an official statement said.

Moved US for higher studies

Friends and community members described Godishala as a young professional who had moved to the United States for higher studies and work opportunities. Members of the Indian diaspora in the region expressed shock over the incident and called for swift justice, as per ANI.

The case has drawn attention amid growing concerns over the safety of Indian nationals abroad. The Embassy has advised Indian citizens in the United States to remain vigilant and to reach out to consular officials in case of emergency.

Meanwhile, local authorities said the investigation is ongoing and further details will be released as appropriate. They urged anyone with information related to the case to contact law enforcement.

The family of the victim has sought privacy as legal processes continue. Officials said cooperation between Indian and United States authorities would continue to ensure that the matter is pursued in accordance with law.

Police said consular coordination would remain essential as the case proceeds across jurisdictions, and reiterated that updates would be shared following established legal procedures and court processes in due course, subject to investigation requirements and judicial timelines.

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