Who was Nikitha Godishala: The murder of Nikitha Godishala, a 27-year-old Indian professional residing in the state of Maryland, has left the Indian expatriate community in the US, as well as onlookers in India stunned. Began as a missing persons report on New Year’s Day has escalated into an international murder investigation, pitting an ex-lover who left the country mere hours after notifying authorities of the missing woman.
Who was Nikitha Godishala
Nikitha Godishala was an Indian national living in Ellicott City, Maryland. Friends and colleagues describe her as driven, soft spoken and deeply committed to her career in healthcare analytics. She had built a life in the US through years of education and professional work and becoming part of a growing community of young Indian professionals abroad.
Nikitha Godishala Age
At the time of her death, Nikitha Godishala was 27 years old. She had just begun to enter this most influential level of adulthood, a point where a person has to manage ongoing objectives, professional growth and relationships.
Nikitha Godishala Education
Nikitha Godishala earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in India before moving to the US for higher studies. She later completed a master’s degree in Health Information Technology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, combining clinical knowledge with data driven healthcare systems.
Nikitha Godishala: Data & Strategy Analyst
Nikitha Godishala is a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health in Columbia, Maryland. She joined the organization less than a year ago and had already been recognized for her performance. She had a well-rounded career in the sectors of pharmacy, research and data, making her a promising young expert in a niche sector.
Ex Boyfriend Reported Nikitha Missing & Then Left for India
According to Howard County police, it was Godishala’s ex boyfriend, Arjun Sharma, who reported her missing on January 2. He told the police that he had last seen her on the night of the 31st of December at his apartment in Columbia. Later, the investigations revealed that the man had booked a flight ticket to India on the same day he made the police report.
#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
What Happened With Nikitha Godishala
- Godishala was last seen on December 31 at Sharma’s apartment on Twin Rivers Road
- Friends raised concerns when she could not be reached after New Year’s Eve
- Nikitha’s Ex Boyfriend Arjun Sharma filed a missing person report on January 2
- Police said Arjun Sharma had left the US for India that same day
- A search warrant was executed at his apartment on January 3
- Nikitha Godishala’s body was found with stab wounds
- Investigators believe the killing occurred shortly after 7 pm on December 31
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
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) January 4, 2026
What Are the Legal Proceedings & Extradition
US authorities have issued an arrest warrant against Arjun Sharma on charges of first and second degree murder. With Sharma currently believed to be in India and thus the case now depends on extradition proceedings. Although there exists an extradition treaty between India and the US, the extradition takes a long time after judicial review and coordination. The Indian Embassy has stated that they are cooperating with the family in the matter.
What was the Community Reaction
The case has sparked grief and anger within the Indian community in the US. For many this case is a painful reminder of vulnerabilities faced by young professionals living abroad. It has been followed by the Vigils, online tributes and calls for justice have followed and demands for speedy international cooperation to ensure accountability.
