Nikitha Rao Godishala, a 27-year-old Telugu woman from Hyderabad, was found dead with stab injuries in her ex-boyfriend’s apartment in Columbia, Maryland, on Saturday, her family confirmed on Monday. Her cousin, Saraswati Godishala, in a representation to the Indian embassy in the US, provided details about the case and urged immediate intervention.

Nikitha was discovered at 10100 Twin Rivers Road, the residence of 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, her ex-boyfriend. Her car was also found at the location. According to Saraswati, Arjun had requested money from Nikitha and her family in late December 2025. On December 27, Nikitha’s sister sent Arjun US$4,500, of which US$3,500 was returned. On December 31, Nikitha allegedly followed up for the remaining US$1,000, and she was last seen with Arjun that day. A missing complaint was filed with Maryland police 24 hours later.

Saraswati alleged that Arjun made unauthorised financial transactions of about US$3,500 from Nikitha’s bank account before fleeing the United States, claiming a hand injury and urgent medical treatment. Based on travel records, he reportedly arrived in India at approximately 2:30 am on January 4. Saraswati requested that the Indian embassy coordinate with US authorities for a thorough investigation, consular support, and the expedited repatriation of Nikitha’s mortal remains.

Howard County police confirmed that Arjun had filed a missing person’s complaint on January 2, stating that he last saw Nikitha on New Year’s Eve at his apartment. A day later, detectives discovered Nikitha’s body at his residence. Police investigations indicate that Sharma likely killed Nikitha shortly after 7 pm on December 31. He has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, and law enforcement is actively seeking his arrest.

Nikitha Godishala had an accomplished academic and professional background. She studied pharmacy at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, from June 2015 to September 2021. During her studies, she worked at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospitals, Secunderabad, first as a Clinical Pharmacist intern for a year and a half, then as a Clinical Data Specialist for two years.

She later moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in health information technology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. In February 2025, she joined Vheda Health in Columbia, Maryland, as a Data and Strategy Analyst. Prior to this, she worked for over a year at Management Sciences for Health as a Data Analysis and Visualisation Specialist (Technical Advisor).

The Indian embassy has stated that it is in touch with Nikitha’s family and is coordinating with local authorities. Officials assured the family that all possible consular assistance would be provided to ensure a swift investigation and justice for Nikitha.

Saraswati appealed for urgent support to secure justice and dignity for her cousin, emphasizing the need for immediate action by both US and Indian authorities.

This tragic incident has drawn attention to issues of financial fraud, domestic disputes, and violence against women abroad, highlighting the need for vigilant support and coordination from both host and home country authorities.