Tue Jan 06 09:29:35 UTC 2026: # Indian National Found Murdered in the US; Family Seeks Justice and Repatriation of Remains

The Story

Nikitha Godishala, a 27-year-old Indian national, was found murdered in her Ellicott City apartment in Maryland, USA, on Monday, January 5, 2026. Howard County police discovered her body with stab wounds in the Columbia apartment of Arjun Sharma, 26, who is now the primary suspect. US police have issued an arrest warrant for Sharma on first- and second-degree murder charges, alleging he has fled to India. The victim’s father, Anand Godishala, is appealing to both the Indian central and Telangana governments to assist in repatriating his daughter’s remains and is demanding severe punishment for the alleged perpetrator. Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy has contacted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to expedite the return of the body to India.

The tragic news has sparked grief and concern within the Indian community, both in the US and in India. Nikitha, a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health, had been living in the US for the past four years. Her family in Hyderabad is grappling with the sudden loss and seeking closure through the swift repatriation of her body and the prosecution of the suspect.

Key Points

  • Victim: Nikitha Godishala, 27, was found murdered in her apartment in Ellicott City, Maryland, on January 5, 2026.
  • Suspect: Arjun Sharma, 26, a former roommate of Nikitha, is wanted by US police on first- and second-degree murder charges. He is believed to have fled to India.
  • Location: The crime occurred in Sharma’s apartment in Columbia, Maryland.
  • Family’s Plea: Anand Godishala, Nikitha’s father, is requesting the Indian government’s assistance in repatriating her remains and ensuring justice is served.
  • Government Involvement: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate the repatriation.
  • Nikitha’s Background: She worked as a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health and had been living in the US for four years.
  • Motive (alleged): The victim’s father states that Nikitha came to know that Sharma had taken loans from many people and was planning to leave for India.

Key Takeaways

  • The case highlights the vulnerability of Indian nationals living abroad and the need for robust consular services and support systems.
  • The involvement of the Indian government underscores the commitment to assisting citizens in distress overseas.
  • The incident raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the murder and the potential motives behind it, pending further investigation.
  • The tragic event has brought the need for strict legal measures and extradition protocols in place between India and the USA to ensure justice for Indian citizens who become victims of crime abroad.

    Read More

Related News: