Summary (tl;dr)

Nikitha Godishala, an Indian woman reported missing since New Year's Eve, was found deceased with multiple stab wounds in her ex-boyfriend's apartment in Columbia, Maryland, prompting an international manhunt for the suspected killer who reportedly fled to India.

Essential Background

Nikitha Godishala, 27, was reported missing on January 2, 2026, after last being seen on December 31 at her ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma's apartment in Columbia, Maryland. Sharma, 26, was the individual who made the missing person report to the police. However, investigators subsequently discovered that Sharma had departed the U.S. for India on the very same day he reported Godishala missing.

The Full Story

On January 3, 2026, detectives executed a search warrant on Arjun Sharma's apartment located on the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road in Columbia, Maryland, where they discovered Nikitha Godishala's body with multiple stab injuries. Authorities believe she was killed shortly after 7 p.m. on December 31, 2025. The Howard County Police have since issued an arrest warrant for Sharma, charging him with first- and second-degree murder. Police are actively collaborating with federal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. to locate and apprehend Sharma, who is believed to be in India. The motive for the murder is currently unknown, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Why It Matters

This case highlights serious concerns regarding domestic violence and the complexities of international law enforcement when a suspect flees the country. The ongoing investigation and the collaboration between U.S. and federal agencies to apprehend an individual who has allegedly committed a severe crime and then fled abroad underscore the challenges in ensuring justice across borders. The tragic death of Nikitha Godishala has garnered significant attention, particularly within the Indian diaspora, raising awareness about safety and legal recourse.

Geographic Location

• Columbia, Howard County, Maryland, United States (location where Nikitha Godishala's body was found in Arjun Sharma's apartment)
• India (country where Arjun Sharma reportedly fled)