A 27-year-old Indian woman who had been reported missing since New Year’s Eve has been found dead in the United States, with police suspecting her ex-boyfriend of killing her before fleeing to India. Reported by Aditya Raj Kaul from NDTV.
The victim has been identified as Nikitha Godishala, a data and strategy analyst from Ellicott City. According to Howard County Police, her body was discovered inside an apartment owned by her former partner, Arjun Sharma, 26, in Maryland. Investigators said she had suffered multiple stab wounds.
Police have obtained an arrest warrant charging Sharma with first- and second-degree murder.
Investigators said Sharma reported Godishala missing on January 2, telling officers he last saw her on December 31 at his apartment. The following day, detectives executed a search warrant at the same location and found Godishala’s body.
Authorities further revealed that Sharma left the United States on a flight to India on the same day he filed the missing person report. Based on the investigation so far, detectives believe Godishala was killed shortly after 7pm on December 31.
The case remains under investigation, and police have not identified a motive at this stage. Howard County police said they are now working with federal law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest Sharma.
The Indian Embassy confirmed it is in touch with Godishala’s family and is providing support.
"The Embassy is also following up the matter with the local authorities," it said.
The United States and India share an extradition treaty that allows cooperation in serious criminal cases. However, such proceedings typically involve judicial reviews and diplomatic coordination, and can take several months to complete.
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