Mon Jan 05 03:30:04 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article:

Summary:

Nikitha Godishala, a 27-year-old Indian woman from Ellicott City, Maryland, was found murdered in the Columbia, Maryland apartment of her ex-boyfriend, Arjun Sharma, 26. Sharma is the prime suspect, believed to have stabbed her to death on December 31st. He reported her missing on January 2nd, claiming to have last seen her at his apartment, before fleeing to India later that day. Police discovered Godishala’s body after executing a search warrant. A warrant for Sharma’s arrest has been issued. The Indian Embassy in Washington DC is providing consular assistance to Godishala’s family and is in contact with local authorities. US law enforcement is working to locate and arrest Sharma.

News Article:

Maryland Woman Found Murdered; Ex-Boyfriend Flees to India

Las Vegas/New York – January 5, 2026 – Authorities in Howard County, Maryland, are searching for Arjun Sharma, 26, after his ex-girlfriend, Nikitha Godishala, 27, was found dead in his Columbia apartment. Godishala, originally from India and residing in Ellicott City, was reported missing on January 2nd.

Police discovered her body on Sunday, January 4th, with apparent stab wounds. A warrant for Sharma’s arrest on charges of first and second-degree murder has been issued.

According to police reports, Sharma filed the missing person report himself, claiming he last saw Godishala on December 31st. However, detectives later learned that Sharma left the United States for India on January 2nd. Police believe the murder occurred on December 31st.

“Through investigation, detectives believe Mr. Sharma killed Godishala shortly after 7 p.m. on December 31st,” Howard County police said in a statement.

The Indian Embassy in Washington DC confirmed they are providing consular assistance to Godishala’s family and are in contact with local authorities regarding the investigation.

“The Embassy is also following up the matter with the local authorities,” they stated on X.

Howard County police are collaborating with federal law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend Sharma. A motive for the crime remains unknown. The investigation is ongoing.

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