Man Arrested in Tamil Nadu for Allegedly Killing Girlfriend in Maryland, US, After Fleeing to India

Chennai, Tamil Nadu | January 5, 2026 A 26-year-old man, Arjun Sharma, has been arrested in Tamil Nadu for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, Nikitha Rao Godishala, 27, in Maryland, United States, and fleeing to India. The arrest comes after an international manhunt coordinated by US federal agencies and Indian authorities. Godishala, an Indian-American professional and data analyst at Vheda Health, was found dead in her apartment in Columbia, Maryland, with multiple stab wounds. According to Howard County Police, Sharma reported Godishala missing to local authorities on the same day he left for India, raising immediate suspicion. Investigators later obtained a search warrant for Sharma’s residence on Twin Rivers Road in Columbia, where Godishala’s body was discovered. Police have filed charges of first- and second-degree murder against Sharma. The motive behind the killing is still under investigation. Sharma’s arrest in Tamil Nadu was made possible after close coordination between Interpol, US federal agencies, and Indian law enforcement. Authorities confirmed that Sharma is expected to be extradited to the United States to face trial. The extradition process is currently underway, and officials are closely monitoring the case. Nikitha Rao Godishala, who lived independently in Ellicott City, Maryland, had been working at Vheda Health as a Data and Strategy Analyst since February last year. Reports said she had been living independently and had no known prior conflicts. Her sudden death shocked both the local and Indian-American communities. Following the arrest, the Indian Embassy in the US issued a statement confirming that it is in contact with Godishala’s family and is providing full consular support. “The Embassy is in contact with the family of Ms. Nikitha Godishala and is extending all possible consular assistance. The Embassy is also following up with local authorities to ensure the matter is handled appropriately,” officials said. The case has drawn international attention due to the nature of the crime and the swift flight of the suspect to India. Authorities have emphasized that Sharma’s arrest and the ongoing extradition process are part of efforts to ensure justice for the victim. Investigators are also looking into Sharma’s background, travel history, and possible motives to fully understand the circumstances leading to the crime. Police officials in the US said the investigation remains active. “We are working with Indian authorities to coordinate extradition and ensure that all legal processes are followed. Our priority is to bring the perpetrator to justice and provide closure to the victim’s family,” a Howard County Police spokesperson said. The arrest highlights the growing cooperation between international law enforcement agencies in tracking suspects who flee across borders. Legal experts noted that cases involving cross-border crimes often require careful coordination between countries, especially regarding extradition laws, evidence collection, and witness statements. As the extradition process moves forward, Godishala’s family has received support from both Indian and US authorities. Community leaders and colleagues have expressed shock at her untimely death and called for a thorough investigation. Authorities have also urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow the legal system to proceed. The case underscores the importance of vigilance, swift law enforcement response, and international cooperation in dealing with violent crimes involving citizens of multiple countries. The investigation into Sharma’s actions, motives, and timeline of events continues, with updates expected as the extradition process and legal proceedings unfold. [ Man Held in Tamil Nadu for Allegedly Killing Girlfriend in Maryland, US, After Fleeing to India Arjun Sharma, 26, was arrested in Tamil Nadu for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, Nikitha Rao Godishala, 27, in Maryland, United States. Godishala, an Indian-American data analyst living in Ellicott City, Maryland, was found dead in her apartment with multiple stab wounds. Sharma reportedly filed a missing person complaint with Howard County Police on the same day he fled to India, raising suspicions about his involvement. Investigators later obtained a search warrant for Sharma’s residence in Columbia, Maryland, where Godishala’s body was discovered. Howard County Police issued arrest warrants against Sharma for first- and second-degree murder. The motive for the killing remains unknown. Sharma was tracked and arrested in Tamil Nadu after US federal agencies coordinated with Indian authorities. He is expected to be extradited to the United States, and the process is currently underway. The Indian Embassy in the US confirmed that it is in touch with Godishala’s family and providing consular support. The embassy is also coordinating with local authorities in the US to ensure a smooth investigation and legal proceedings. Godishala had been living independently in the US and working at Vheda Health since February last year.