The father of Hyderabad-born Nikitha Godishala, a 27-year-old Indian woman found brutally murdered in the United States, has strongly rejected claims by US authorities that the prime accused in the case was his daughter’s former boyfriend. Speaking from India, Anand Godishala said the man named in the murder investigation, Arjun Sharma, was only Nikitha’s former roommate and alleged that several crucial aspects of the case were being misrepresented as investigations continue across borders.

Nikitha was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, days after she was reported missing. US police have since issued an arrest warrant against Sharma, 26, charging him with first- and second-degree murder. Investigators allege that he killed Nikitha and fled the country, possibly returning to India. The case has sparked outrage both in the US and India, with the victim’s family demanding swift action, accountability, and repatriation of her mortal remains.

‘He was not her ex-boyfriend’

Anand Godishala has categorically denied media reports and police descriptions referring to Sharma as Nikitha’s ex-boyfriend. “He is not her ex-boyfriend. He was only a former roommate,” he said, according to PTI. The father explained that Sharma had previously shared the apartment with Nikitha along with two other individuals, stressing that their relationship was being inaccurately portrayed.

According to the family, presenting Sharma as a former romantic partner could divert attention from other possible motives and circumstances surrounding the crime. Anand said he wants the investigation to be based strictly on facts rather than assumptions or convenient labels. “Whoever is responsible for my daughter’s death should be punished severely,” he said, expressing deep anguish and anger over the loss.

Allegations of financial troubles

Raising further questions about the accused, Anand said that his daughter had recently discovered that Sharma had allegedly borrowed money from several people. Media reports, he said, indicated that Sharma was under financial stress and was planning to return to India.

While Anand clarified that he was not aware of any confirmed monetary dispute between Nikitha and Sharma, he suggested that these financial issues could be a relevant angle for investigators to examine. When asked whether money-related tensions might have acted as a trigger for the crime, he said he had not yet been able to speak in detail with his daughter’s friends in the US to fully understand the dynamics between the two.

The possibility of financial distress adds another layer to the investigation, particularly as US authorities believe Sharma fled the country soon after the murder, raising suspicions about premeditation and attempts to evade law enforcement.

The last call on New Year’s Eve

Recalling his final interaction with his daughter, Anand said Nikitha had called him on the night of December 31 to wish him a happy New Year. “She sounded normal. There was nothing in her voice that suggested she was upset or in danger,” he said.

This final conversation has haunted the family, as Nikitha was reported missing just two days later, on January 2. The suddenness of events, Anand said, has left the family struggling to comprehend how things escalated so quickly.

Nikitha’s disappearance initially raised concern among her acquaintances, following which police were alerted. Days later, her body was discovered inside the apartment, bearing stab wounds, confirming the worst fears of her family and friends.

Family appeals for repatriation

As the investigation continues, Nikitha’s family has appealed to both the Union government and the Telangana government to ensure that her mortal remains are brought back to India at the earliest. The family says it wants to perform her last rites at home, surrounded by loved ones.

Anand’s family, originally from Hyderabad, currently resides in Tarnaka. Relatives and neighbours have been visiting the family to offer condolences, while political leaders and officials have also been urged to intervene to expedite diplomatic and legal processes.

Life in the US and professional achievements

Nikitha had been living in the United States for the past four years. She last visited India three years ago, her father said. After completing her master’s degree in the US, she was working as a Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health.

Her uncle, Santosh Kumar, said Nikitha was doing exceptionally well in her career and had recently been recognised for her performance. “She won the Best Employee award just last month,” he said, describing her as hardworking, ambitious, and dedicated to her profession.

The family learned about her death through a cousin who also resides in the US, a moment Anand described as devastating. “No parent should have to hear such news about their child,” he said.

Allegation that accused approached police before fleeing

Anand also alleged that Sharma himself had initially approached the police in the US to report Nikitha missing, before allegedly fleeing the country. “He reportedly made the complaint and then escaped to India. This raises serious suspicion,” he said, demanding that Sharma be tracked down, arrested, and extradited if necessary.

US authorities have confirmed that Sharma is the prime suspect in the case and believe he may have left the country after the incident. Efforts are reportedly underway to coordinate with Indian agencies to locate him and take further legal action.

Cross-border investigation and demand for justice

The case has once again highlighted the complexities involved in investigating crimes that span multiple countries. Questions of jurisdiction, extradition, and coordination between law enforcement agencies are now central to ensuring justice for Nikitha.

For her family, however, the priority is clear. “We want justice for our daughter,” Anand said. “And we want the truth to come out—who did this, why it was done, and how such a crime was allowed to happen.”

As the investigation unfolds, Nikitha Godishala’s death has become a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by Indian professionals living abroad and the urgent need for swift, transparent action when crimes cross international borders.