Indian authorities have arrested a 26-year-old man from India in connection with the killing of his former girlfriend in the United States, following an international manhunt coordinated through Interpol. The accused, Arjun Sharma, was taken into custody in Tamil Nadu after US law enforcement issued a request for assistance.
The victim, Nikitha Godishala, a 27-year-old Indian-American data analyst, was found dead inside Sharma’s apartment in Columbia, Maryland, on January 3. Police said she had suffered multiple stab wounds. The case came to light after Sharma initially reported Godishala as missing, claiming they had last met on New Year’s Eve. Investigators later discovered that Sharma had flown to India on the same day.
After Godishala’s body was recovered, the Howard County Police charged Sharma with first-degree and second-degree murder. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and that no clear motive has yet been established. According to police officials, there had been no earlier reports of violence involving the couple, though they appeared to have remained in contact after ending their relationship.
Godishala was employed at healthcare analytics firm Vheda Health, where she had been working as a Data and Strategy Analyst since February 2025. In statements to the media, Godishala’s family alleged that Sharma had sought financial help from both her and her relatives in the past. They also claimed he withdrew approximately $3,500 from her bank account without consent before leaving the US, reportedly citing the need for medical treatment for an injured hand.
The Indian Embassy in the United States has confirmed that it is in contact with the family and is providing consular support while coordinating with local authorities as the investigation progresses.
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
