Columbia (US): Authorities in the US are contemplating an Interpol ‘Red-Notice’ against one Arjun Sharma (26), who allegedly stabbed his former girlfriend to death in Columbia, Maryland, on December 31, 2025, before fleeing to India.
The Indian-origin woman, Nikitha Godishala (27), was first reported missing on New Year’s Eve. She was found stabbed to death inside her ex-boyfriend’s apartment days later,, sending shockwaves through the Indian community in the US.
According to the Howard County Police, Sharma reported Nikitha Godishala missing to the police on January 2, claiming he had last seen her on December 31 at his apartment in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road.
Investigators later found that Arjun boarded a flight to India the very same day he filed the missing person report.
“Arjun Sharma, 26, of Columbia, made the missing person report to police and said he last saw his ex-girlfriend, Nikitha Godishala, 27, of Ellicott City, on Dec. 31 in his apartment in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road. Police later learned that on the same day as making the report, Jan. 2, Sharma left the country on a flight to India. Detectives on Jan 3 executed a search warrant for his apartment and located Godishala deceased,” the official statement by the police read.
Authorities said the victim suffered multiple stab wounds. Investigators believe Nikitha Godishala was killed shortly after 7 pm on December 31, though the exact motive behind the crime is still unclear, as reported by TOI.
The police have said that they have obtained a warrant for Sharma’s arrest on first- and second-degree murder charges.
India’s embassy released a statement on X acknowledging the crime: “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.”
Meanwhile, a purported letter by one Saraswati Godishala, who claims to be Nikitha’s cousin Saraswati has surfaced.
“My cousin was found murdered at 10100 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, Maryland, 21044, the residence of Mr Arjun Sharma. Her car was also found parked at the same location,” she wrote.
“Arjun requested money from me and my sister (Nikita) on 27th December, to which my sister Nikita asked me to help with around 3-5k USD. I sent him 4,500 USD, out of which he returned 3,500 USD. I was contacted by Arjun on Jan 2nd and requested me for additional 1000 USD to which I denied,” she added.
“Nikitha followed up with Arjun on requesting the remaining 1000 USD on 31st December. Based on the information I received, Nikitha was last seen with Arjun. A missing complaint was raised with Maryland police after 24 hours on 1st December. Maryland police after their investigation informed that Arjun was prime suspect in this murder case….. He is alleged to have made unauthorized financial transactions of about 3,500 USD from Nikitha’s bank account before fleeing the United States under the pretext of a hand injury and urgent medical treatment. As per travel details, he arrived in India at approximately 2.30 am on 4 January 2026,” it has been written in the letter.
