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Simran Vohra

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  • Published: Jan 05 2026 03:21 PM
  • Last Updated: Jan 05 2026 03:38 PM

Nikitha Godishala, 27-year-old Indian, found dead in Maryland. Ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma fled to India. Police hunt ongoing



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Nikitha Godishala, a 27-year-old Indian living in the US, was found dead in Maryland, shocking friends and the community. Her loved ones grew worried when she went quiet around New Year’s. Police revealed that her ex-boyfriend, Arjun Sharma, fled to India after the incident. Authorities are now investigating the case and searching for him. The tragic death has sparked widespread concern and social media attention.

Who was Nikitha Godishala

Nikitha Rao Godishala moved from India to chase big dreams in America. As a data analyst located in Ellicott City, Maryland, Nikitha worked with numeric data for strategic purposes. Nikitha was noted by people who knew her for being sharp, cheerful and always ready with a smile during work-related social gatherings. By the time Nikitha was 27, Nikitha's journey toward stability included having an apartment, a job, and friends. Nikitha's experience may resemble that of many other young Indians living abroad, but this horrible twist in Nikitha's life was completely unexpected.

Nikitha Godishala

When Did Nikitha Godishala Die

Police believe Nikitha Godishala was killed shortly after 7 pm on December 31, 2025. She had visited her ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma’s apartment on New Year’s Eve. That evening was the last time anyone heard from her alive. By January 1, friends noticed her sudden silence. Calls went unanswered and her phone was switched off. The truth came to light days later.

How Did Nikitha Godishala Die

Howard County Police confirmed that Nikitha died from multiple stab wounds. Her body was found during a search of an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, on January 3, 2026. Doctors described the injuries as sharp-force wounds, suggesting a violent struggle. No weapon has been recovered so far, but police say the evidence clearly points to homicide.

Nikitha Godishala Murder Case: Ex-Boyfriend Arjun Sharma Named Prime Suspect

Arjun Sharma, 26, was Nikitha’s former partner. On January 2, he told police she vanished from his place on New Year’s Eve. However, police say Arjun Sharma flew to India the same day the missing report was filed. Investigators later charged him with first- and second-degree murder, naming him the prime suspect. Authorities say inconsistencies in his statement raised serious concerns. Police are now working with federal and international agencies to track his location and bring him back for questioning.

Nikitha Godishala

Howard County Police Investigation Latest Updates

Howard County Police, led by spokesperson Seth Hoffman, are actively investigating the case. Authorities are working with federal agencies to track Sharma’s movements after he left the US. Officials say motive details are still unclear. Phone records, travel data, and digital evidence are being closely examined.

Timeline of Nikitha Godishala Murder Case

The sequence of events in Nikitha Godishala’s death has helped police piece together the case. On December 31, 2025, she visited her ex-boyfriend’s apartment on New Year’s Eve. By January 1, her friends noticed she had gone completely silent. On January 2, a missing complaint was filed, and the next day, police found her body during a search. Murder charges were filed soon after, turning the case into an international investigation.

Nikitha Godishala

Indian Embassy and Family Response to Nikitha Godishala Tragedy

The Indian Embassy in Washington jumped into action right away to support Nikitha's grieving family back home. They promised full help, from bringing her body back to India for last rites to pushing US police hard for quick justice. Nikitha's parents, shattered by the news, now lean on embassy staff for every step. Friends in Maryland lit candles and held small prayer meets, sharing stories of her kind heart. This case hits close for Indian families with kids abroad—everyone wonders how to keep loved ones safe.

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Social Media Reaction to Nikitha Godishala Death

Nikitha’s death sparked an emotional response on social media. Friends, colleagues, and strangers shared posts demanding justice and accountability. Hashtags calling for action spread rapidly across platforms. Many users also raised concerns about the safety of Indian women living alone abroad, urging stronger community support and awareness.

FAQ

Police say he filed a fake missing report on January 2, then boarded a flight hours later. They suspect it covered up the New Year's Eve stabbing at his apartment.​

Howard County officers found her January 3, 2026, during a search warrant at ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma's Columbia apartment. Stab wounds confirmed homicide right away.​

She worked as a data analyst in Ellicott City, Maryland, handling strategy numbers for her company. Friends remember her cheerful presence at team events.​

They provide full consular aid—body repatriation, police pressure, and grief support for parents in India. Embassy stays in daily contact with US authorities.​

First-degree and second-degree murder warrants issued by Howard County Police for Nikitha's stabbing death. International manhunt now targets him in India

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