Indian woman's death in US shocks diaspora; Ex-boyfriend on the run

On New Year’s Eve, 27-year-old Indian woman Nikitha Godishala went missing. She was last spotted at her ex-boyfriend’s apartment in Columbia, Maryland. On January 2, her ex-boyfriend, Arjun Sharma, filed a missing person complaint with the police, claiming that it was him who last saw her that night at his apartment in Ellicott City. It was learned that after filing this complaint, Arjun booked a ticket and flew to India. In the ensuing police investigation, Nikitha’s body was found inside the apartment with stab wounds.

Nikitha had a master’s degree in health information technology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and was working as a data analysis and visualisation specialist (technical advisor).

According to her friends, Nikitha was amicable and cooperative with the Indian diaspora and had no family members with her in the States. Howard County Police are deep into the investigation. India and US have an extradition treaty that allows cooperation in serious criminal cases.

The family of Nikitha has sought privacy amidst the continuing investigation. It is believed that Arjun committed the third-degree murder shortly after the night of December 31st.

“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.” said the Indian Embassy in US.