Father Rejects Ex-Boyfriend Claim in Hyderabad Woman’s US Death, Seeks Justice

The father of Hyderabad-born Nikitha Godishala, who was found dead in the United States, has strongly rejected claims that the prime accused was her former boyfriend.

He demanded strict punishment for whoever is responsible for his daughter’s killing.

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Nikitha, 27, was found dead with stab wounds inside an apartment in Columbia days after she was reported missing.

US authorities have named Arjun Sharma as the accused and have issued an arrest warrant against him on charges of first- and second-degree murder.

‘He Was Only a Roommate’

Nikitha’s father, Anand Godishala, said the accused was never her boyfriend.

He stated that Sharma was only a former roommate who had shared the apartment with Nikitha and two other individuals.

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He said describing Sharma as an ex-boyfriend was incorrect and misleading, and stressed that the truth must come out during the investigation.

Loans and Financial Concerns

Anand said his daughter had recently become aware that Sharma had borrowed money from multiple people and was planning to return to India.

He added that this information had surfaced shortly before her death.

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However, he said he had no confirmed details of any financial dispute between the two.

He also said he has not yet spoken at length with Nikitha’s friends to understand whether money issues could have played a role.

Last Call on New Year’s Eve

Recalling his final conversation with his daughter, Anand said Nikitha called him on the night of December 31 to wish him for the New Year.

He said she sounded normal and did not express any fear or distress during the call.

Nikitha was reported missing two days later, on January 2.

Family Seeks Repatriation and Justice

Nikitha had been living in the US for the past four years and last visited India three years ago.

She worked as a data and strategy analyst at Vheda Health and had recently received a best employee award, according to her family.

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Originally from Hyderabad, her family now lives in Tarnaka.

They have appealed to both the Union government and the Telangana government for early repatriation of her mortal remains.

Accused Filed Complaint, Then Fled

Anand also alleged that Sharma was the one who first approached US police to report Nikitha missing before allegedly fleeing the country.

US authorities have said efforts are underway to trace and arrest the accused, who is suspected of escaping to India after the killing.

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