A 27-year-old Indian data analyst, Nikitha Godishala, was found murdered in a Columbia, Maryland apartment on Saturday, 3 January 2026.

As per latest media reports, the suspect, Arjun Sharma, who reportedly fled to India after executing the alleged murder, has been arrested in Tamil Nadu.

Howard County Police discovered her body with multiple stab wounds in the residence of 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, an Indian national who has since fled to India.

While initial reports labelled the two as former partners, Nikitha’s family has clarified that Sharma was a former housemate who allegedly owed her money. Sharma filed a deceptive missing person report on 2 January before boarding a flight to escape the United States.

Arjun Sharma Arrested In Tamil Nadu

In a major breakthrough, the Tamil Nadu Police, acting on intelligence from federal agencies and Interpol, apprehended the suspect, Arjun Sharma, from a hideout in the state.

Following the issuance of a Red Corner Notice, Indian authorities tracked Sharma’s movements after he fled the United States on a flight to India shortly after filing a deceptive missing person report.

The arrest marks a critical step toward justice for Nikitha Godishala’s family, who had been tirelessly advocating for his capture.

Legal experts indicate that the process for his extradition to Maryland will now commence, involving high-level coordination between the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and US judicial departments.

Hyderabad Woman Killed

Nikitha Godishala was a brilliant professional who had moved from Secunderabad to the United States to build a bright future. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, she had recently celebrated a major career milestone, receiving the “All-In Award” at Vheda Health just weeks before her death.

Her family describes her as a hardworking individual who had no romantic links to the suspect. Instead, they state that Sharma was a former flatmate who had borrowed a significant sum of money.

The tragedy struck when Nikitha visited his apartment on New Year’s Eve to settle the outstanding debt of approximately Rs 4 lakh.

‘Not Her Ex-Boyfriend’

The investigation reveals a chilling level of premeditation by the suspect. After allegedly committing the murder on 31 December, Sharma waited until 2 January to report Nikitha missing to the police, likely to buy time for his escape. Shortly after filing the report, he boarded a flight to India.

“The alleged culprit is not her ex-boyfriend,” Nikitha’s father, Anand Godishala, told the media, urging for a correction of the narrative.

He alleged that Sharma lured her to the house under the guise of returning the loan. Currently, Howard County authorities have issued warrants for first and second-degree murder and are coordinating with Indian agencies to track Sharma down.

Indian Embassy Support

The Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. has actively intervened to support Nikitha’s bereaved family, confirming that it is extending all possible consular assistance.

Officials are currently coordinating with the Howard County Police and federal agencies to monitor the investigation while simultaneously managing the logistical complexities of repatriating Nikitha’s mortal remains to Hyderabad.

Beyond administrative support and documentation, the Embassy is following up on the international legal proceedings required to bring the suspect to justice.

This diplomatic involvement remains crucial as the case spans multiple jurisdictions, ensuring that the victim’s family is not left to navigate a foreign legal system alone during this traumatic period.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

At The Logical Indian, we are deeply pained by the loss of such a promising life to a motive as hollow as financial greed. This incident highlights the extreme vulnerability of young professionals living abroad when trust is betrayed by those within their own community.

We stand with Nikitha’s family in their quest for justice and echo their plea to avoid sensationalising the tragedy with false romantic narratives. True empathy lies in acknowledging the facts: a young woman was killed for seeking what was rightfully hers.

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