Maryland: A 27-year-old Indian woman who had been reported missing in the United States was found dead in Maryland, prompting police to launch a manhunt for her former boyfriend, who investigators believe killed her before fleeing the country.
The victim, identified as Nikitha Godishala, was a resident of Ellicott City in Howard County. She was reported missing on January 2. According to local authorities, her body was later discovered inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, belonging to her ex-boyfriend, Arjun Sharma, 26.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Howard County police said Godishala had suffered fatal stab injuries. Based on the evidence gathered so far, investigators have secured an arrest warrant against Sharma on charges of first- and second-degree murder.
Police said Sharma himself had initially approached authorities to file a missing person report, claiming he last saw Godishala on December 31 at his apartment. However, investigators later established that Sharma boarded a flight to India on January 2—the same day the report was filed.
The following day, detectives executed a search warrant at Sharma’s apartment, where Godishala’s body was found. Investigators now believe the killing took place shortly after 7 pm on December 31.
The Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, acknowledged the incident in a post on social media platform X, stating that it is in touch with the victim’s family and is providing necessary consular support. The embassy also said it is coordinating with local US authorities as the investigation progresses.
Howard County police said the probe is ongoing and that no clear motive has been determined so far. US federal law enforcement agencies have joined the effort to trace Sharma and facilitate his arrest.
Authorities have not released further details, citing the sensitivity of the case, and said more information would be shared as the investigation develops.
