Indian Woman Reported Missing Since New Year’s Eve, Found Dead in Maryland
A 27-year-old Indian woman who had been reported missing since New Year’s Eve was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside an apartment in the US state of Maryland, police officials said.
The victim has been identified as Nikitha Godishala, a data and strategy analyst based in Ellicott City.
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According to the Howard County Police, Godishala’s body was discovered inside an apartment owned by her former boyfriend, Arjun Sharma, aged 26.
Ex-Boyfriend Named Prime Suspect
Investigators said Sharma had filed a missing person report on January 2, claiming he last saw Godishala on December 31 at his apartment.
However, a day later, detectives executed a search warrant at the same location and found Godishala’s body bearing stab injuries.
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Based on preliminary findings, police believe the killing occurred shortly after 7 pm on December 31.
Authorities have since obtained an arrest warrant against Sharma, charging him with first- and second-degree murder.
Suspect Fled the Country
Police revealed that Sharma left the United States on a flight to India on the same day he reported Godishala missing.
His departure has prompted US authorities to widen the investigation and involve federal agencies in efforts to trace and apprehend him.
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Officials said the investigation remains active and that no clear motive has been established so far.
Law enforcement agencies are now coordinating at multiple levels to locate the accused and initiate further legal action.
Indian Embassy Offers Assistance
The Embassy of India in the United States confirmed that it is in touch with Godishala’s family and is providing all possible consular assistance.
The embassy also stated that it is closely following developments in the case with local authorities.
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Notably, India and the United States share an extradition treaty that enables cooperation in serious criminal matters.
However, legal experts note that extradition processes often involve lengthy court proceedings and diplomatic coordination, which can take several months.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Indian diaspora in the US, as investigators continue their efforts to bring the accused to justice.
