Prime accused arrested in Nikitha Godishala murder case
In a major breakthrough in the Nikitha Godishala murder case, prime accused Arjun Sharma has been arrested in Tamil Nadu following an international manhunt coordinated by Interpol, Indian authorities, and US law enforcement agencies.
Sharma, 26, the former boyfriend of Nikitha Godishala, was taken into custody on Monday, days after her body was found in his apartment in Columbia, Maryland. Howard County Police confirmed that the arrest was made through close coordination between Interpol and authorities in India. Sharma now faces charges of first- and second-degree murder under US law. Nikitha Godishala, who had been reported missing on New Year’s Eve, was later found dead with multiple stab wounds, prompting a high-profile investigation in the United States.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the crime, saying the investigation remains ongoing as evidence from multiple locations is being examined. According to officials, Sharma allegedly fled the United States shortly after Nikitha’s disappearance and arrived in India on January 4. During this period, further allegations have emerged from Nikitha’s family.
Her sister, Saraswati Godishala, claimed that Sharma transferred USD 3,500 from Nikitha’s bank account before leaving the US. Investigators are reportedly looking into the financial transactions as part of the broader probe. Photographs of Sharma have circulated online in recent days as police sought public assistance in tracking his movements.
Following his arrest, Sharma remains in custody and is expected to face further questioning as legal proceedings move forward. Authorities have not yet provided details on extradition or the next steps in the case. The murder has drawn widespread attention both in the United States and India, particularly in Hyderabad, where Nikitha’s family resides. Her relatives have demanded a thorough and transparent investigation, calling for swift justice.
Howard County Police said they are continuing to work closely with Indian agencies and Interpol to ensure accountability.
As the investigation progresses, officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and rely on verified updates from law enforcement agencies.
