> At a Glance
> – Police issued a first- and second-degree murder warrant for Arjun Sharma, 26, on Jan. 4
> – Victim Nikitha Godishala, 27, was found stabbed in Sharma’s Columbia apartment on Jan. 3
> – Sharma boarded a flight to India one day after reporting her missing
> – Why it matters: Authorities are coordinating with federal partners to secure an international arrest
A Maryland woman was discovered dead with multiple stab wounds inside the apartment of a man now charged with her murder-and who investigators say has already fled the country.
The Charges
Howard County police obtained an arrest warrant on Jan. 4 charging Arjun Sharma, 26, with first- and second-degree murder in the death of Nikitha Godishala, 27.
Godishala’s body was found in Sharma’s Twin Rivers Road residence on Jan. 3, roughly 24 hours after Sharma told police she was missing and then departed for India, according to the department’s release.
Timeline of Events
Detectives believe the killing occurred around 7 p.m. on Dec. 31.
- Dec. 31: Godishala visits Sharma’s apartment to collect money he allegedly owed
- Jan. 2: Sharma files a missing-person report
- Jan. 3: Godishala’s body is discovered
- Jan. 4: Warrant is signed as police learn Sharma has left the U.S.
Relationship and Motive
While police identified the pair as ex-partners, Anand Godishala, the victim’s father, told the Times of India they were former housemates. He alleged the dispute centered on money his daughter had lent Sharma.
> Anand Godishala alleged:
> > “He was one of the four housemates… Nikitha lent him money and when she asked for the money back, he called her to his house and committed the crime.”
Godishala held a master’s degree in health information technology and had worked as a data and strategy analyst at Vheda Health since February 2025.
Next Steps
Howard County investigators are collaborating with U.S. federal authorities to locate Sharma abroad.
Key Takeaways
- Sharma faces two murder counts and is believed to be in India
- The victim’s family contends the motive was an unpaid loan
- Police are pursuing international coordination for his arrest
- Anyone with information is urged to contact Howard County police
The department has not released a timeline for possible extradition, noting only that the joint effort to apprehend Sharma is ongoing.
