Maryland, USA | January 5, 2026: In a shocking incident that has deeply disturbed the Telugu community in India and abroad, a 27-year-old Indian woman from Telangana origin was found brutally murdered in the United States. The victim, Nikitha Godishala, a resident of Ellicott City in the US state of Maryland, was reported missing earlier this month and was later found dead with multiple stab wounds.
According to the Howard County Police, Nikitha was reported missing on January 2, 2026. During the investigation, police discovered her body inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, belonging to her former boyfriend Arjun Sharma (26).
Police officials stated that Nikitha sustained fatal stab injuries and was likely killed on December 31, 2025, shortly after 7:00 PM. Investigators believe the crime occurred inside Sharma’s apartment.
Ex-Boyfriend Under Suspicion, Arrest Warrant Issued
In a major twist, authorities revealed that Arjun Sharma himself filed the missing person complaint with the police on January 2, claiming he last saw Nikitha on December 31 at his apartment. However, police later confirmed that Sharma left the United States for India on the very same day he reported her missing.
Following this revelation, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at Sharma’s apartment on January 3, where they found Nikitha’s body.
Police have since secured an arrest warrant against Sharma on charges of first-degree and second-degree murder. The United States federal law enforcement are currently coordinating efforts to trace and arrest him.
Indian Embassy Extends Support
Reacting to the tragic incident, the Indian Embassy in Washington DC issued a statement on social media platform X, confirming that it is in close contact with Nikitha Godishala’s family.
“The Embassy is extending all possible consular assistance to the family and is actively following up the matter with local authorities,” the statement said.
Community in Shock, Motive Yet Unknown
Nikitha’s death has sent shockwaves across the Telugu diaspora, especially among Indian students and professionals living in the US. As of now, police have stated that no clear motive has been established, and the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities are working on international coordination to ensure the accused is brought to justice at the earliest.
This tragic case once again raises concerns about safety, domestic violence, and the vulnerability of Indian women living abroad. Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses.
