5 days ago
Indian Woman's Suspected Killer Arrested In Agra After US Death
Nikitha Godishala was an Indian woman living and working in the United States.
She was found dead in Maryland after being reported missing.
Police suspect that her former roommate, Arjun Sharma, killed her and then went to India.
American police issued warrants charging him with first- and second-degree murder.
Indian police later found Sharma in a flat in Agra.
They first located him while investigating a separate complaint about money allegedly taken from Godishala.
Sharma was brought before a court in New Delhi and taken into custody.
He is expected to be sent back to the United States, but officials have not said when.
Godishala's family says money disputes may have been connected to her death.
Arjun Sharma was arrested in Agra in connection with the killing of Nikitha Godishala in Maryland.
Godishala was reported missing on January 2 and found with multiple stab wounds in her Columbia apartment on December 31, 2025.
Howard County police obtained first- and second-degree murder warrants and said Sharma fled to India.
Sharma was located during a Telangana cheating investigation based on a complaint by Godishala's father.
A Delhi court remanded Sharma on August 25, and he is expected to be extradited to the United States.
- Who
- Nikitha Godishala was killed, and Arjun Sharma is the suspect. Godishala's father, Anand Godishala, filed the complaint that led to the Indian cheating investigation.
- What
- Sharma was arrested in India under murder warrants issued in the United States and is expected to face extradition.
- Where
- Godishala was found in an apartment in Columbia, Maryland; Sharma was arrested in a flat in Agra, India.
- When
- Godishala's death is believed to have occurred on December 31, 2025; Sharma was remanded by a Delhi court on August 25.
- Why
- Police allege Sharma killed Godishala and fled to India. Her parents said financial disputes may have been involved.
Police and Investigators' Account
Family's Account
Relationship
Police and Investigators' Account
Howard County police described Sharma as Godishala's ex-boyfriend, while the case identifies him as her former roommate.
Family's Account
Godishala's father said the two were roommates rather than describing them as an ex-couple.
Possible motive
Police and Investigators' Account
US police announced murder charges but the reports do not state a confirmed motive.
Family's Account
Godishala's father and parents said they believed financial disputes and money allegedly owed by Sharma may have been connected to the killing.
Indian investigation
Police and Investigators' Account
Hyderabad police located Sharma while investigating a cheating complaint and then notified central authorities about the US warrant.
Family's Account
Godishala's family viewed Sharma's arrest and detention in Delhi as an important breakthrough in the murder case.
Key facts
- Victim
- Nikitha Godishala, 27
- Suspect
- Arjun Sharma, 26
- Reported missing
- January 2
- Estimated date of death
- December 31, 2025
- US charges
- First- and second-degree murder
- Arrest location
- A flat in Agra, India
- Indian case
- A cheating case registered in Telangana over money allegedly taken from Godishala
- Court action
- A Delhi court remanded Sharma on August 25 in connection with the US murder case
Quotes
Hyderabad police official
An unnamed Hyderabad police official speaking to news agency PTI about Sharma’s arrest and transfer to central authorities
“During the investigation, after getting certain clues, a police team was sent to Agra, which caught the accused in a flat, and a notice was issued to him (in connection with the cheating case). Since a case was already registered against him in the US and an NBW was pending, the central authorities were informed.”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
Delhi Court Custody for Man Wanted in Maryland Murder
Parents Call Arrest Breakthrough, Seek Answers in US Murder
Nikitha Murder Accused Taken Into Custody in Delhi
Indian Man Arrested in Germany Over Arizona Girlfriend's Murder
Indian Student Accused of Arizona Girlfriend's Murder Arrested in Germany
Partner Arrested at Toronto Airport Months After Indian-Origin Woman's Murder
Bulldozers Demolish Delhi Race Club as Century-Long Racing Ends
Delhi Crime Branch arrests absconding forgery accused after 12 years
Delhi Police Execute Warrants at CPI-M Office; Court Stay
Delhi Court Cancels Warrant Against Student Leader Aishe Ghosh
