Authorities in the United States have launched an international manhunt for a 26-year-old Indian-origin man, Arjun Sharma, who is accused of murdering his former girlfriend in Maryland and then fleeing to India. The Howard County Police Department has secured arrest warrants charging Sharma with first and second-degree murder in the brutal killing of 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala.
Timeline of a Tragedy and a Disappearance
The grim sequence of events began around New Year's Eve. According to police statements, Sharma himself reported that he last saw Godishala at his apartment in Columbia on December 31. Two days later, on January 2, he filed a formal missing persons complaint for her.
However, investigators soon discovered a horrifying truth. A search of Sharma's Columbia apartment led to the discovery of Nikitha Godishala's body. The victim had suffered multiple stab wounds and other physical trauma. Detectives, piecing together evidence, believe she was killed shortly after 7 PM on December 31.
By the time her body was found, Sharma was already out of the country. Police confirmed he had boarded a flight to India, turning a local investigation into an international pursuit.
An International Pursuit and a Search for Motive
Howard County police spokesman Seth Hoffman highlighted the calculated nature of the crime, stating the act showed "obvious premeditation" followed by a flight from justice. While the murder weapon's status is unclear, authorities are focusing on bringing the suspect back.
"We are unaware of any previous calls for service or incidents involving the two of them," Hoffman said, noting that it appeared the pair remained in contact after their relationship ended. A clear motive for the violent attack remains unknown, leaving friends and family seeking answers.
Concern for Godishala's well-being had already begun among her friends when she suddenly stopped contacting them on New Year's Eve, prompting social media appeals about her whereabouts.
The Path to Extradition and Diplomatic Response
The Howard County Police are now coordinating with federal agencies and international partners. The process involves the U.S. Attorney's office working with Interpol to issue a "red notice"—an international arrest warrant circulated to nearly 200 member countries, including India.
"That will give Indian authorities information. They will begin to track him and hopefully arrest him," explained Hoffman. He cautioned that the subsequent extradition process "could take quite a bit of time."
On the diplomatic front, the Indian Embassy has acknowledged the case. In a statement on social media platform X, the Embassy confirmed it is in contact with Nikitha Godishala's family and providing consular assistance, while also following up with local U.S. authorities.
The case underscores the complexities of cross-border justice as authorities on two continents work to apprehend a suspect and provide closure for a grieving family.
