The Indian embassy in the United States has provided crucial clarification that will expedite the process of bringing home Nikhitha Gadishala, the 27-year-old woman from Hyderabad found murdered in Maryland. The embassy confirmed that the absence of her original passport will not cause any delay in the repatriation of her mortal remains.
Embassy's Assurance on Documentation
In an official communication dated January 6, the embassy addressed a potential procedural hurdle. It stated that while Nikhitha's original passport is not available, this would not pose an obstacle to sending her body back to India. For completing the necessary formalities, an attested copy of the passport would be considered sufficient.
The embassy's records show that Nikhitha was issued a passport in Hyderabad on October 28, 2025. This swift administrative adjustment is critical in ensuring a timely return for the grieving family.
Timeline for Return and Investigation Details
Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy provided an update on the situation, stating that all required procedures have been completed. He indicated that the mortal remains are expected to be flown to India within a day or two.
The tragic case unfolded in Columbia, Maryland. Nikhitha was found murdered at the apartment of Arjun Sharma (26). According to investigators, she had gone to his flat on December 31, 2025, to ask him to return money he had borrowed from her.
International Manhunt for Prime Suspect
The Howard County police have named Arjun Sharma as the prime suspect in the murder and have alerted Interpol for his arrest, triggering an international manhunt.
Police revealed a chilling sequence of events. Sharma himself informed the police on January 2 that Nikhitha was last seen at his apartment. When officers searched the flat on January 3, they discovered her body with multiple stab wounds. By that time, however, Sharma had already flown to India.
The combined efforts of the Indian embassy, Indian authorities, and U.S. police are now focused on two parallel tracks: facilitating the swift repatriation of Nikhitha Gadishala and ensuring the prime suspect is brought to justice through international cooperation.
