Nikitha Godishala lived in Ellicott City in Howard County. (Photo: X/@M9USA_)
A 27-year-old Indian woman, Nikitha Godishala, who had been reported missing earlier in the week, was found dead in the apartment of her former boyfriend in Columbia, Maryland. Police say they believe he killed her and then left the United States for India, according to a report by PTI.
Who was she Nikitha Godishala?
Nikitha Godishala lived in Ellicott City in Howard County. Police said she had earlier been in a relationship with Arjun Sharma, 26, and was last known to have been at his apartment on 31 December. She was reported missing on 2 January.
Police response and investigation
Howard County Police said in a statement that Godishala was found with stab wounds inside Sharma’s flat after detectives executed a search warrant. Officers said they have obtained a warrant for his arrest on first- and second-degree murder charges.
#HoCoPolice located a woman reported missing on Jan. 2 deceased with stab wounds in the Columbia apartment of her ex-boyfriend and obtained a warrant for his arrest on first- and second-degree murder charges.https://t.co/RzEIWTUA8k
— Howard County Police Department (@HCPDNews) January 4, 2026
Sharma himself made the missing-person report and told police he last saw her on 31 December. Investigators later learnt that on the same day he filed the report, 2 January, he left the country on a flight to India. Detectives found Godishala dead in his apartment the following day.
The Indian Embassy in Washington DC said it is in contact with Godishala’s family and is providing consular assistance. “The Embassy is also following up the matter with the local authorities,” it said in a post on X.
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 the matter with the local authorities. @MEAIndia
However, Police said detectives believe she was killed shortly after 7 pm on 31 December. “The investigation is ongoing and no motive is known at this time,” Howard County Police said, adding that they are working with US federal law enforcement to locate and arrest Sharma.
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Nikitha Godishala lived in Ellicott City in Howard County. (Photo: X/@M9USA_) 
