A man sought in connection with a fatal stabbing on New Year’s Eve in Howard County, Maryland, has been apprehended in India, according to police reports from Thursday. Arjun Sharma, who is alleged to have killed his ex-roommate, Nikitha Godishala, has been taken into custody after fleeing the country.
The Howard County Police Department confirmed that international authorities notified them of Sharma’s arrest. While he is expected to be extradited to the United States, no specific timeline for his return has been provided.
The incident in question occurred on December 31, 2025, when 27-year-old Godishala was fatally stabbed in Columbia. Initially described as Sharma’s ex-girlfriend, her father clarified that they were actually former roommates and suggested that financial motives may have played a role in her death.
Sharma reported Godishala missing on January 2, claiming he last saw her on New Year’s Eve. However, upon investigation, police discovered her body in his apartment on Twin Rivers Road, leading to a swift international manhunt for Sharma, who had already left for India.
Investigation Details
Following Godishala’s disappearance, her friends expressed concern after not hearing from her on New Year’s Eve. This prompted police to investigate further, leading to the discovery of her body later that day.
Detectives believe the stabbing occurred shortly after 7 p.m. on December 31. Once Sharma is extradited, he will face charges of first- and second-degree murder.
Victim’s Family Concerns
Godishala’s father, Anand Godishala, has expressed doubts about the nature of Sharma’s relationship with his daughter, stating they were not romantically involved but were simply roommates. He suspects that a financial dispute may have led to her death, alleging that Sharma had borrowed money from her and may have killed her when she demanded repayment before he left for India.
In a previous interview, he noted that Godishala had sought someone to take over her lease last August, describing Sharma as “respectful” in her social media post.
