Indian Woman Found Dead in Maryland; Ex-Boyfriend Flees to India

New Delhi, january 05, 2026: The victim, identified as Nikitha Godishala, was a talented healthcare data analyst who had been reported missing since New Year’ Eve. While her ex-boyfriend initially alerted the police to her disappearance, authorities now believe he is the primary suspect and has since fled the country.

The Timeline of Events

Nikitha, a resident of Ellicott City, was last seen on December 31, 2025. According to investigators from the Howard County Police Department:

• January 2: Her ex-boyfriend, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, filed a missing person report. He claimed he last saw Nikitha at his apartment in Columbia, Maryland, on the evening of New Year’s Eve.
• January 2 (Later that day): Shortly after speaking with the police, Sharma boarded a flight and left the United States for India.
• January 3: Following up on the missing person lead, detectives executed a search warrant at Sharma’s apartment. Inside, they discovered Nikitha’s body. She had suffered multiple fatal stab wounds.

A Brilliant Career Cut Short

Nikitha Godishala was highly regarded in her professional circle. A graduate of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) in Hyderabad, she moved to the U.S. to pursue a Master’s degree in Health Information Technology at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. At the time of her death, she was working as a data and strategy analyst for a healthcare platform, described by peers as a brilliant and dedicated professional.

Current Status of the Investigation

While the police have secured an arrest warrant for Sharma on charges of first- and second-degree murder, the motive for the killing remains officially “unknown.”

Investigators believe Nikitha was killed shortly after 7:00 PM on December 31. Because the suspect is believed to be in India, U.S. federal agencies are now coordinating with international law enforcement to track his whereabouts.

What Happens Next?

The case now enters a complex legal phase involving international extradition. Since the U.S. and India share an extradition treaty, authorities will likely begin the formal process of requesting Sharma’s return to face trial. However, such procedures are often lengthy and require significant diplomatic and judicial coordination.