The murder of 27-year-old Hyderabad native Nikitha Godishala in the United States has taken a disturbing new turn, with her family alleging that a financial dispute with her former boyfriend may have led to her death. What was initially reported as a missing person’s case on New Year’s Eve has now evolved into a complex homicide investigation involving claims of unpaid loans, unauthorised bank transactions, and a violent confrontation that allegedly ended in murder.

Nikitha was found dead in the US state of Maryland, days after she was reported missing. Her ex-boyfriend, Arjun Sharma, has since been arrested and charged with first- and second-degree murder in connection with her death. As the investigation progresses, statements from Nikitha’s cousin and father have brought a possible financial motive into sharp focus, adding a chilling dimension to the case.

Allegations of unpaid loans and mounting pressure

According to Nikitha’s cousin, Saraswati Godishala, financial dealings between the victim and the accused were a source of tension in the days leading up to the murder. In a representation submitted to the Indian Embassy in the United States, Saraswati alleged that she herself had lent a significant sum of money to Arjun Sharma shortly before Nikitha’s death.

Saraswati stated that on December 27, she transferred $4,500 to Sharma at his request. Of this amount, he returned $3,500, leaving an outstanding balance of $1,000. She further claimed that Sharma contacted her again on January 2, asking for an additional $1,000, a request she refused.

Crucially, Saraswati alleged that Nikitha had been following up with Sharma regarding the unpaid $1,000 as early as December 31. This detail, she said, was consistent with earlier media reports that indicated Nikitha was actively pressing Sharma to settle his dues.

The cousin also alleged that Sharma made unauthorised transactions amounting to approximately $3,500 from Nikitha’s bank account. According to her statement, these transactions took place before Sharma left the US, allegedly citing a hand injury and the need for urgent medical treatment as the reason for his departure.

Police timeline and murder charges

Investigators believe that Nikitha was killed shortly after 7 pm on December 31, New Year’s Eve. The exact circumstances of her death have not been fully disclosed by authorities, but the timing aligns with the period during which Nikitha was reportedly attempting to recover money from Sharma.

Arjun Sharma was taken into custody after Nikitha’s body was discovered during the follow-up of a missing persons complaint. In a startling detail, it was Sharma himself who had filed the missing persons report on January 2, two days after Nikitha was last seen or heard from.

US police subsequently charged Sharma with first- and second-degree murder. The charges suggest that investigators believe the killing involved intent and may have been premeditated, though further details are expected to emerge as the case moves through the legal system.

Family points to financial motive

Nikitha’s father, Anand Godishala, has publicly backed the claim that money may have been at the centre of the fatal dispute. Speaking to reporters at his residence in Secunderabad, he alleged that Sharma had a pattern of borrowing money from multiple people, including his daughter.

“Arjun Sharma used to borrow money from several people, including my daughter,” Anand said. “He might have killed her when she went to his flat to demand that he return her money.”

Anand also shared that he last spoke to Nikitha on the phone on New Year’s Eve, hours before police believe she was killed. He said there was nothing in their conversation to suggest that his daughter was in immediate danger, making the news of her death all the more devastating for the family.

From missing person to homicide investigation

Nikitha’s body was discovered as police followed up on the missing persons complaint filed by Sharma. The case quickly escalated from a routine missing person inquiry to a homicide investigation once her remains were found and evidence pointed towards foul play.

The Indian Embassy in the United States has confirmed that it is in touch with Nikitha’s family and is coordinating with US authorities. The embassy’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the case and the concern surrounding the safety of Indian nationals living abroad.

A promising life cut short

Nikitha Godishala’s death has sent shockwaves through her family, friends, and the wider Indian diaspora in the US. Described as intelligent, hardworking, and ambitious, she had built a solid academic and professional foundation both in India and abroad.

Originally from Hyderabad, Nikitha completed her pharmacy studies at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), where she was enrolled from June 2015 to September 2021. During this period, she gained hands-on experience in the healthcare sector, working at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospitals in Secunderabad.

She began her career at KIMS as a clinical pharmacist intern, a role she held for approximately one and a half years. She later transitioned into the position of clinical data specialist, working in that capacity for two years. Her colleagues and family recall her as someone deeply committed to her work and eager to expand her expertise.

In 2021, Nikitha moved to the United States to pursue higher education. She enrolled in a master’s programme in health information technology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. After completing her post-graduation, she chose to stay on in the US, where she continued to build her career.

In February 2025, she joined Vheda Health in Columbia as a data and strategy analyst. The role marked a significant step forward in her professional journey, combining her background in healthcare with advanced data and technology skills.

Calls for justice and accountability

As the investigation continues, Nikitha’s family has called for swift and transparent justice. They have urged both US authorities and Indian officials to ensure that all aspects of the case, including the alleged financial misconduct and unauthorised bank transactions, are thoroughly examined.

The case has also reignited discussions about the vulnerabilities faced by young professionals living overseas, particularly women, and the complexities that can arise from personal and financial relationships in unfamiliar environments.

For now, the focus remains on the legal proceedings against Arjun Sharma and the pursuit of answers surrounding Nikitha Godishala’s final hours. What is clear is that a young woman with a promising future lost her life under tragic and troubling circumstances, leaving behind grieving parents, a shocked extended family, and a community demanding accountability.