On January 6, a tragic incident unfolded in Howard County, Maryland. Police found the body of 27-year-old Indian-origin data analyst Nikitha Godishala in a residential apartment. Arjun Sharma, 26, her former partner, is now the subject of an international manhunt.
Investigation by the Howard County Police
The Howard County Police Department said an attacker fatally stabbed Nikitha on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2025. The incident took place inside Arjun Sharma’s Columbia residence. Sharma had filed a missing person report for her on January 2. Police discovered Godishala with multiple stab wounds on January 3, 2026. By then, Sharma had flown out to India.
Investigators allege Sharma left the U.S. for India on the very same day he reported Godishala missing. Police have secured arrest warrants for him on first- and second-degree murder charges. Authorities are coordinating with international agencies, including INTERPOL, to issue a Red Notice to facilitate a global search.
“Arjun Sharma, 26, made the missing person report to police and said he last saw his ex-girlfriend, Nikitha Godishala, 27, of Ellicott City, on December 31 in his apartment in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road. Police later learned that on the same day as making the report, January 2, Sharma left the country on a flight to India.
Detectives on January 3 executed a search warrant for his apartment and located Godishala deceased. Through investigation, detectives believe Sharma killed Godishala shortly after 7 pm on December 31. The investigation is ongoing, and no motive is known at this time. Howard County Police are working with United States federal law enforcement to locate and arrest Sharma,” the county said in a press release statement.
Friends and Family Statements
Nikitha’s father, Anand Godishala, spoke from Hyderabad and disputed early claims that the suspect was an “ex-boyfriend,” stating that Sharma was mainly a roommate who had borrowed money from his daughter. According to family accounts, financial tensions arose when Godishala sought repayment of a personal loan shortly before her death, a claim that has added complexity to investigators’ understanding of possible motives.
Friends and colleagues describe Godishala as a bright and accomplished professional. She holds a master’s degree in Health Information Technology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She worked as a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health from February 2025 until her death.
