An Indian woman who had been reported missing since New Year’s Eve was found dead inside an apartment in Maryland, United States, prompting police to charge her ex-boyfriend with murder. Investigators say the accused fled to India shortly after reporting her missing.
The victim has been identified as Nikitha Godishala, a 27-year-old data and strategy analyst from Ellicott City, according to Howard County Police. Her body was discovered with stab wounds inside an apartment owned by her former partner, Arjun Sharma, 26.
Police said Sharma filed a missing person report on January 2, claiming that he last saw Godishala on December 31 at his apartment. The following day, on January 3, detectives executed a search warrant at the same residence, where they found Godishala’s body.
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Investigation and arrest warrant
Following the discovery, investigators obtained an arrest warrant charging Sharma with both first- and second-degree murder. As per reports, police believe that Godishala was killed shortly after 7 pm on December 31. Authorities also confirmed that Sharma left the country on a flight to India on the same day he reported her missing.
Howard County Police stated that the investigation is ongoing and that no motive has been established so far. They are now working with federal law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest the accused.
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The Indian Embassy in the US said it is in contact with Godishala’s family and is extending all possible consular assistance. “The Embassy is also following up on the matter with the local authorities,” it said.
The United States and India have an extradition treaty that allows cooperation in serious criminal cases, though such proceedings typically involve court reviews and diplomatic coordination and can take several months.
