Chennai, January 5: In a major breakthrough in the Nikitha Godishala murder case, Indian authorities have arrested Arjun Sharma, a 26-year-old Indian citizen, in Tamil Nadu in connection with the brutal killing of his former girlfriend in the United States. Sharma was taken into custody following an international manhunt coordinated by Interpol, according to a report by India Today.

Nikitha Godishala, a 27-year-old Indian-American data analyst, was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside Sharma’s apartment in Columbia, Maryland, on January 3. A day earlier, on January 2, Sharma had filed a missing person report with US authorities, claiming he last met Godishala on New Year’s Eve. However, investigators later confirmed that he flew to India on the same day the report was filed, raising immediate suspicion. Who Was Nikitha Godishala? Indian Woman Found Dead in Maryland Apartment in US, Ex-Boyfriend Flees to India.

Following the discovery of Godishala’s body, the Howard County Police charged Sharma with both first-degree and second-degree murder. Police officials said the investigation is ongoing and the motive behind the killing is still unclear. Sharada Iyer Dies: Playback Singer Chitra Iyer’s Sister Killed in Trekking Accident in Oman.

“We don’t have a motive right now as to why he would kill her,” Howard County Police spokesman Seth Hoffman told local media, adding that the two remained in contact even after their relationship ended.

Godishala was working as a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health since February 2025 and was recently honoured with the company’s “All-In Award,” highlighting her professional achievements shortly before her death.

Speaking out after the arrest, Godishala’s family alleged financial exploitation. Her cousin, Saraswati Godishala, claimed that Sharma had sought money from both Nikitha and her relatives and had allegedly carried out unauthorised bank transactions amounting to around USD 3,500 before fleeing to India, citing medical treatment for a hand injury as an excuse.

The family has urged swift action from authorities, calling for close coordination between Indian and US agencies to ensure justice, a thorough investigation, and the repatriation of Nikitha Godishala’s remains. The Indian Embassy in the United States confirmed it is in touch with the family and is providing consular assistance while following up with local US authorities on the case.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2026 10:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).