Nikita Godishala Accused Not Arrested, Absconding: Family Members

Seeking to place verified facts on record and dispel misinformation currently in circulation, the US authorities have informed the family that Arjun Sharma, identified as the prime suspect, filed a missing person report on January 1 2026 and left US for India the next day. Godishala was later found deceased at 10100 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, Maryland, the residence of Sharma. Her vehicle was also recovered from the same location.

During the period, she was reported missing, unauthorized transactions were detected in Godishala’s bank account. Additionally, Sharma reportedly contacted her friends and family multiple times seeking financial assistance, citing urgent personal and financial difficulties.

The family was officially informed by authorities on January 4 at approximately 6 am IST that Godishala had sustained multiple stab wounds, and that her death was believed to have occurred around 7 pm on December 31.

The U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Howard County Police Department, have clearly stated that the accused is currently at large. Any reports claiming an arrest are false, the statement said.

As the family mourns an irreparable loss, they respectfully request privacy and restraint from the media and the public. The last rites will be conducted privately, with police protection sought to ensure dignity and order. The family is working closely with the Indian Embassy in the United States, the Ministry of External Affairs, and senior government authorities in India including the External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, N Ramchander Rao, the BJP State President, and the Chief Minister’s Office in Hyderabad.

"We acknowledge and appreciate the support extended by Team Aid, ATA, OFBJP, NRI community members, volunteers, and individuals assisting with coordination and repatriation efforts. Sree Divya Vadlapudi and Dr. Govindarajulu, along with Katikala Rajesh and others, have extended full support and are coordinating with the relevant authorities and stakeholders," they said.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, verified updates will be shared only through authorized press statements and the family’s official social media channel.