The family of Nikitha Godishala, a 27-year-old Indian-origin data analyst found dead in the United States, has alleged that she was killed over a financial dispute, pushing back against early reports that framed the case as a crime of passion.
Nikitha was found with stab wounds inside an apartment in Columbia, Howard County, Maryland, after she was reported missing on Jan. 2, just days after the New Year. U.S. authorities believe she was killed on New Year’s Eve, and have identified Arjun Sharma (26) as the prime suspect.
Sharma allegedly stabbed Nikitha, reported her missing, and fled the United States shortly afterward.
Father Rejects ‘Ex-Boyfriend’ Narrative
Speaking to the media in Hyderabad, Nikitha’s father, Anand Godishala, strongly denied claims that Sharma was his daughter’s former boyfriend. He described the suspect instead as her former roommate, insisting that the motive behind the killing was financial, not romantic.
“My daughter went to Columbia four years ago and was working there. He was her ex-roommate, not her ex-boyfriend,” Anand said, according to reports. Four people used to stay in the apartment. He used to take a lot of money from my daughter.”
‘Killed Over Money’
According to the family, Nikitha had been pressing Sharma to return money he owed her after learning that he had borrowed from multiple people and was planning to leave for India.
“When she asked him to return the money before he flew to India, he killed her and ran away,” Anand alleged, calling for swift justice and the repatriation of his daughter’s body to India.
Media reports indicate that Sharma allegedly borrowed about $4,500 from Nikitha in the days leading up to her death. While he reportedly returned $3,500, he later requested an additional $1,000, which Nikitha refused to give.
Nikitha’s cousin, Saraswati Godishala, has since filed a formal complaint with the Indian Embassy in the United States, detailing the alleged financial transactions and seeking diplomatic support.
Last Call on New Year’s Eve
Anand Godishala said his daughter last spoke to him on the night of December 31, calling to wish him a happy New Year. He said he was unaware of any immediate conflict between Nikitha and Sharma at the time.
Howard County police have obtained an arrest warrant for Sharma on first- and second-degree murder charges, describing the killing as premeditated. U.S. authorities say he will face prosecution once extradited.
Reports from India suggested Sharma had been arrested in Tamil Nadu, but sources later clarified that the detained individual was not Sharma and was released after verification, adding uncertainty to the suspect’s current whereabouts.
The case has drawn widespread attention in India and among diaspora communities, renewing calls for stronger protections for Indian nationals abroad and faster cross-border cooperation in criminal investigations.
As investigations continue on both sides of the Atlantic, Nikitha Godishala’s family says their focus remains on justice—and ensuring her death is not misrepresented.
