Ex-Boyfriend Flees US After Killing Indian Woman; Arrested in Chennai

Nikitha, a resident of Ellicott City in Maryland, hailed from Mettuguda here. She was working as a data and strategy analyst at a private firm in the United States. Maryland’s Howard county police, investigating the murder, said that she was found with multiple stab wounds.

Arjun reported to the police that Nikitha was missing, and later boarded a flight from the Dulles International Airport at Washington DC, to India. The local police issued an arrest warrant for Arjun and issued an Interpol alert. Following the alert, he was arrested in Tamil Nadu on Monday.

The Howard county police said that Arjun informed them about seeing Nikitha in his apartment home on December 31. They stated that Arjun might have killed Nikitha on December 31 shortly after 7 pm local time (January 1, 5.30 am IST).

The Howard county police said, “Police located a woman reported missing on January 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.”

“Arjun Sharma, aged 26 of Columbia, made the missing person report to police and said he last saw his ex-girlfriend, Nikitha Godishala, 27, of Ellicott City, on December 31 in his apartment in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road. The police later learned that on the same day as making the report, Sharma left the country on a flight to India. Detectives on January 3 executed a search warrant for his apartment, and located Godishala deceased,” the police stated.

Speaking with local media, Howard county police spokesperson Seth Hoffman said, “There was obviously some premeditation to be able to do this and then to flee the country, so that's what we have right now as far as charges. We are unaware of any previous calls for service or incidents involving the two of them. We do believe it wasn't uncommon that they would still meet each other and have communication after their relationship ended, but we don't have a motive right now as to why he would kill her.”

Arjun was arrested by Interpol in Tamil Nadu on Monday. However, it could take some time for him to be extradited back to the United States for a trial, police authorities said.

Nikitha’s sister Saraswati Godishala wrote to the Indian Consulate, and explained how several financial transactions took place between Nikitha and Arjun before her death.

“Arjun requested money from me and my sister on December 27, to which my sister Nikitha asked me to help with around $3-5K. I sent him $4,500, out of which he returned $3,500. Arjun contacted me on January 2, and requested me for an additional $1,000, to which I denied,” she wrote.

Saraswati wrote about how Nikitha tried following up with Arjun over the remaining $1,000 which he did not return. “Nikitha followed up with Arjun by requesting the remaining $1,000 on December 31”, she said.

“He is alleged to have made unauthorised financial transactions of about $3,500 from Nikitha’s bank account before fleeing the United States under the pretext of a hand injury and urgent medical treatment. As per travel details, he arrived in India at approximately 2.30 am on January 4,” she added.

Nikitha’s father Anand Godishala, speaking with Deccan Chronicle, said “My daughter last spoke with me on December 31 and wished us all a happy new year. Since then we couldn’t reach her phone. She got a good job in a good company, and was hoping she’ll get a H-1B in two-three months.”

“My wife, my daughter and I are in deep shock and anguish. We are requesting the Central and state government to help us bring Nikitha’s body back for final rites”, Anand said.

The Indian Embassy in the United States said “The Embassy is in contact with the family of Nikitha Godishala, and is extending all possible consular assistance. The Embassy is also following up the matter with the local authorities.”