Hyderabad-born 27-year-old Nikitha Rao Godishala was found dead with stab wounds at her ex-boyfriend’s residence in Columbia, Maryland, on January 3, 2026, according to her family. Nikitha’s cousin, Saraswati Godishala, said Nikitha was last seen with 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, who had allegedly requested money from her in late December.
Saraswati claimed that Arjun received US$4,500 from the family but returned only US$3,500 and later fled to India under the pretext of a hand injury and urgent medical treatment. Based on travel records, Arjun arrived in India around 2:30 AM on January 4. The family has sought urgent intervention from the Indian Embassy to coordinate with US authorities, provide consular support, and expedite the repatriation of Nikitha’s remains.
Howard County police confirmed that Arjun had filed a missing person report on January 2, alleging he last saw Nikitha on New Year’s Eve at his apartment. Detectives later discovered her body at the same residence. Police suspect Arjun killed Nikitha shortly after 7 PM on December 31. He is now charged with first and second-degree murder, and authorities are actively searching for him.
Nikitha was a pharmacy graduate from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University and worked at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences in Secunderabad before moving to the US for a master’s in health information technology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She joined Vheda Health in February 2025 as a Data and Strategy Analyst and previously worked with Management Sciences for Health as a Data Analysis and Visualization Specialist.
The Indian Embassy has assured the family of full consular support and is coordinating with local authorities to ensure justice.
