Maryland, Jan 5: An Indian woman who was reported missing last week in the United States has been found dead in Maryland, with police alleging that her former boyfriend killed her and fled to India.
Howard County Police said on Sunday that Nikitha Godishala (27), a resident of Ellicott City, was found with multiple stab wounds inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, belonging to her ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma (26).
Police have obtained an arrest warrant against Sharma, charging him with first- and second-degree murder.
“The victim was located deceased with apparent stab wounds,” Howard County Police said in a statement, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.
Godishala was reported missing on January 2, after Sharma approached police claiming he had last seen her two days earlier, on December 31, at his apartment. Authorities later discovered that Sharma left the United States for India on the same day he filed the missing person report.
Detectives executed a search warrant at Sharma’s apartment on January 3, where Godishala’s body was recovered.
“Through the course of the investigation, detectives believe the victim was killed shortly after 7 pm on December 31,” police said, noting that no motive has been established so far.
The Indian Embassy in Washington DC confirmed that it is assisting the victim’s family. “We are in contact with the family and are extending all possible consular assistance,” the embassy said in a post on X, adding that it is also coordinating with local authorities.
Howard County Police said they are working with US federal law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest Sharma.
