Indian Woman, 27, Found Dead With Stab Wounds At -Boyfriend

Shocking tragedy: Indian woman, 27, Nikitha Godishala found dead with stab wounds at ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma’s flat in Maryland, US. Suspect fled to India after reporting her missing. Howard County Police issue murder warrant amid international manhunt. Latest updates on this heartbreaking case.

In a chilling turn of events that has gripped the Indian diaspora and beyond, a 27-year-old Indian woman was found dead with stab wounds at her ex-boyfriend’s flat in the US. The Howard County Police Department in Maryland confirmed the homicide on January 4, 2026, revealing a timeline of deception and flight that has sparked outrage and calls for swift justice.

This devastating incident, unfolding over New Year’s Eve 2025 into early 2026, underscores the perils faced by young Indian professionals abroad, particularly in personal relationships gone awry.

Shocking Discovery: Indian Woman Found Dead With Stab Wounds in Maryland Apartment

On January 3, 2026, detectives from the Howard County Police executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, Maryland. Inside, they discovered the body of Nikitha Rao Godishala, 27, from Ellicott City, bearing multiple stab wounds and signs of trauma. Police believe the Indian woman was found dead with stab wounds shortly after 7 p.m. on December 31, 2025—New Year’s Eve.

The case began as a missing person report filed on January 2 by her ex-boyfriend, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, also of Columbia and Indian origin. Sharma claimed he last saw Godishala at his apartment on December 31. However, investigators quickly uncovered that Sharma boarded a flight to India the same day he filed the report, raising immediate red flags.

Howard County Police spokesperson Seth Hoffman stated: “#HoCoPolice located a woman reported missing on Jan. 2 deceased with stab wounds in the Columbia apartment of her ex-boyfriend and obtained a warrant for his arrest on first- and second-degree murder charges.” No prior domestic violence calls were linked to the pair, and the motive remains unknown as of January 5, 2026.

This grim discovery of an Indian woman, 27, found dead with stab wounds at her ex-boyfriend’s flat in the US has prompted an international investigation.

Portrait of Nikitha Rao Godishala, a smiling young Indian woman with long dark hair, wearing professional attire.

Profile of the Victim: Who Was Nikitha Rao Godishala?

Nikitha Rao Godishala was a rising star in healthcare data analytics, embodying the ambition of many young Indians pursuing the American dream. Hailing from Secunderabad, Telangana (near Hyderabad), she held a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad (2015-2021). She later earned a Master’s in Health Information Technology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

Her career trajectory was impressive. In India, Godishala worked at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospitals as a Clinical Pharmacist intern (1.5 years) and Clinical Data Specialist (2 years). After moving to the US around 2022, she served at UMBC (June 2022-May 2023), then as a Data Analysis and Visualisation Specialist at Management Sciences for Health.

Since February 2025, she was a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health in Columbia, Maryland—a firm specializing in healthcare strategies. In under a year, she earned the prestigious “All-In Award” for exceptional performance. Celebrating on LinkedIn in late December 2025, she posted: “This award is a reminder of the purpose and responsibility I carry forward. I’m excited to continue contributing with intention, creativity, and that same ‘all-in’ energy… Here’s to growing, building, and stepping into 2026 with momentum.”

Fluent in English, Hindi, and Telugu, Godishala described herself as “driven by a passion for leveraging data-driven insights to optimise healthcare systems and improve patient outcomes.” Friends portrayed her as vibrant and dedicated; her final social media posts showed gym sessions, friend gatherings, and birthday celebrations—joyful moments now hauntingly poignant.

The loss of this talented Indian woman found dead with stab wounds has left colleagues at Vheda Health devastated, with her CEO praising her contributions publicly.

The Suspect: Arjun Sharma’s Deceptive Trail After Indian Woman Found Dead

Arjun Sharma, 26, emerges as the prime suspect. Despite their breakup, the pair stayed in contact, with Godishala last confirmed at his Twin Rivers Road apartment on New Year’s Eve. Sharma’s missing person report on January 2 seemed routine until flight records showed his departure to India that day—possibly under a pretext of a hand injury needing treatment.

Family allegations add a financial motive: Godishala’s cousin, Saraswati, claimed Sharma made unauthorized transactions of about $3,500 from her account. Her father, Anand Godishala, told ANI in Hyderabad: “Her ex-roommate [Sharma] took a lot of money from my daughter. When she asked him to return it before he flew to India, he killed her.” He clarified Sharma as an ex-roommate, not boyfriend, though police label him ex-boyfriend.

An arrest warrant charges Sharma with first- and second-degree murder. Howard County Police are coordinating with US federal agencies, Interpol, and Indian authorities under the US-India extradition treaty. As of January 5, some unconfirmed X posts claim arrest in Tamil Nadu, but official sources confirm the manhunt continues.

Sharma’s flight turned a missing case into a homicide probe of an Indian woman, 27, found dead with stab wounds at his ex-boyfriend’s flat in the US.

Indian Woman, 27, Found Dead With Stab Wounds At Ex-Boyfriend’s Flat In US: Cops

Timeline of Events: From New Year’s Eve to Body Discovery

December 31, 2025 (~7 p.m.): Godishala last seen/alive at Sharma’s apartment; fatal stabbing believed to occur.
January 1-2, 2026: Friends post “Please help us find Nikitha” on Facebook after she stops responding.
January 2: Sharma files missing report, then flies to India.
January 3: Search warrant yields Godishala’s body.
January 4: Police announce homicide, issue warrant; Indian Embassy responds.
January 5: Family speaks out; investigation ongoing, autopsy/forensics pending.

No murder weapon details released; public tips sought.

Indian Embassy Steps In: Consular Aid for Family of Indian Woman Found Dead

The Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., posted on X: “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.” (@IndianEmbassyUS, Jan 4)

Aid includes body repatriation, legal support, and extradition coordination. Godishala’s family in Hyderabad urges governments to expedite her body’s return. Anand Godishala seeks justice, denying the “ex-boyfriend” label but confirming financial disputes.

Community Outrage and Safety Alerts for Indians in US

X (formerly Twitter) exploded with tributes: @M9USA_ (1500+ likes) mourned her as a “talented professional,” while @Krish_RC_ highlighted “violence from familiarity.” Hashtags #JusticeForNikitha trend, with vigils planned in Maryland’s Indian community.

This echoes rising NRI violence: isolation, breakups, and cultural pressures fuel risks. Stats from Sakhi for South Asian Women note underreported domestic abuse among immigrants due to stigma. Experts urge sharing locations, using hotlines (e.g., National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233), and building support networks.

Maryland Indians call for enhanced consular emergency services.

Financial Dispute Angle: Emerging Motive in the Case?

Godishala’s cousin alleged Sharma owed $1,000+ of $3,500 loaned, with demands on Dec 31 preceding the killing. Unauthorized transfers post-death? Forensic accounting underway. Father claims: “Ex-roommate took money… killed her when confronted.”

Police: Motive unknown, but timeline fits argument escalation.

Path to Justice: Extradition Challenges Ahead

US-India treaty enables extradition, but processes drag (months/years) via courts/diplomacy. Interpol Red Notice likely soon. Howard County collaborates with FBI, ICE.

Autopsy confirms stab wounds as cause; evidence (DNA, timelines) strong. Trial in Maryland if captured.

Godishala’s story—a PharmD grad earning awards, cut short—warns of red flags: post-breakup contact, financial loans, isolation. Advocates push apps like Circle of 6, community meetups.

Vheda Health’s loss: A “proud” contributor gone. Her LinkedIn: Optimism for 2026, now eternal.

This case of an Indian woman, 27, found dead with stab wounds at ex-boyfriend’s flat in US demands vigilance. RIP Nikitha—may justice prevail.

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