Ellicott City/Columbia (USA), January 6: A 27-year-old Indian national, Nikitha Godishala, was found dead inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, prompting a murder investigation by local authorities and consular intervention by the Indian Embassy in the United States.
According to Howard County Police, Godishala, who had been living and working in the United States for the past four years, went missing earlier this month. She was last seen on December 31, when she reportedly visited an apartment on Twin Rivers Road in Columbia to recover money she had lent to a former roommate.
On January 2, a 26-year-old man identified as Arjun Sharma, her former roommate, reported her missing. Police said Sharma left the United States shortly after filing the report. Acting on the missing person complaint, officers searched the apartment and on January 3 recovered Godishala’s body. Authorities confirmed on January 4 that the body bore multiple stab wounds.
Police have identified Sharma as the prime suspect and issued arrest warrants against him on charges including first- and second-degree murder. Federal agencies are coordinating with local police to trace and apprehend the suspect, who is believed to have fled the country.
Family members allege that the killing followed a financial dispute. Speaking from Hyderabad, Godishala’s father, Anand Godishala, said his daughter had lent money to Sharma while they were sharing accommodation. “Four people used to stay in the apartment. My daughter had given him money. When she asked for it back before he flew to India, he killed her and ran away,” he alleged, adding that Sharma was her former roommate and not her former boyfriend.
Godishala’s cousin, Saraswati, said Nikitha had transferred USD 4,500 to Sharma earlier, of which USD 3,500 was returned. When Sharma allegedly sought an additional USD 1,000, Nikitha refused and asked for repayment of the remaining amount. Sharma reportedly assured her he would return the money, prompting her visit to his apartment on December 31.
The Indian Embassy in Washington said it is in constant touch with the bereaved family and is extending all possible consular assistance, including help with documentation and coordination with local authorities. The Embassy is also closely monitoring the investigation.
Members of the Indian community in Maryland expressed shock over the incident and called for swift justice. Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the case to contact law enforcement, noting that the investigation remains ongoing.
The family has appealed for the early repatriation of Godishala’s body and requested privacy as legal proceedings continue. Officials on both sides said cooperation between Indian and US authorities will continue in accordance with legal and judicial procedures. (ANI)
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