In a shocking international crime case, a 26-year-old man from Hyderabad, accused of murdering his former flatmate in the United States, fled to India the very next day, according to US police authorities. The victim, Nikitha Godishala, was found with stab wounds in Columbia, Maryland.
The Timeline of the Crime and Escape
Arjun Sharma, the accused, is believed to have committed the crime on December 31 after 7 pm. Investigators from the Howard County police discovered that Sharma flew from Washington Dulles International Airport to India on January 1, the day following the alleged murder. His presence was later confirmed at the Chennai airport on the morning of January 4, sparking a widespread search on social media platforms.
Police are examining a critical detail: Sharma himself reported Nikitha as missing on December 31. Authorities are working to understand the sequence of events and the motive behind the crime. The Howard County police are coordinating with multiple agencies across international borders to trace the suspect.
Social Media Frenzy and Family's Appeal
The case has triggered intense activity online. On Nikitha Godishala's Instagram page, visitors identified potential suspects, with one name repeatedly mentioned based on a photograph of her sitting next to a man in New York. However, the linked social media handle soon displayed a message stating "The profile that you're looking for doesn't exist," suggesting the account was deleted or deactivated.
An Instagram page named "JusticeForNikithaGodishala" was created to rally support. A post claiming to be from her family addressed circulating rumors. It clarified that reports of Sharma's arrest were baseless and stated the family is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in the US, consulate officials, and relevant Indian government authorities.
The family's message also provided a heartbreaking update: "The process of repatriating our daughter's mortal remains is underway."
Political Intervention and Ongoing Investigation
The case has reached the highest levels of the Indian government. Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, disclosed that he had spoken to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar about ensuring the earliest possible repatriation of Nikitha's mortal remains. Minister Jaishankar, currently on an official tour to Germany, has been briefed on the sensitive matter.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on locating Arjun Sharma. The international nature of the case, involving crime in the USA and the accused's flight to India, presents significant legal and procedural challenges for the agencies involved. The community on both continents awaits justice for Nikitha Godishala.
