Nikitha Godishala’s Father Says Accused Was Not Her Ex-Boyfriend, Alleges Killing Over Money

Nikitha Godishala Case: Father Denies Ex-Boyfriend Claim, Alleges Murder Over Money by Former Flatmate

The tragic death of Nikitha Godishala, a 27-year-old Indian woman found murdered in the United States, has taken a disturbing turn as her father strongly refuted claims about her relationship with the accused. He has alleged that Nikitha was not killed by an ex-boyfriend, but by a former flatmate over a financial dispute.

The case has sparked outrage and grief both in India and among the Indian diaspora in the United States, with the family now appealing to Indian authorities for urgent assistance and justice.

Father Rejects ‘Ex-Boyfriend’ Narrative

Speaking to the media, Nikitha Godishala’s father, Anand Godishala, categorically denied reports suggesting that the accused was his daughter’s ex-boyfriend. He clarified that the man accused of killing Nikitha was her former roommate, with whom she had shared accommodation earlier.

“It is being shown as an ex-boyfriend. It is nothing of that sort. He was her former flatmate,” Anand said, emphasizing that incorrect labeling of the relationship was misleading and hurtful to the family.

Allegations of Financial Dispute

According to the family, Nikitha Godishala had been financially supporting her former roommate, who allegedly borrowed a significant amount of money from her. The dispute reportedly escalated when Nikitha asked him to return the money before he left for India.

Her father alleged that when she pressed for repayment, the accused killed her and fled. “Four people used to stay in the apartment. He used to take a lot of money from my daughter. When she asked him to return it, he killed her and ran away,” Anand claimed.

Investigators are examining whether financial motives played a central role in the killing.

Timeline of Disappearance and Discovery

Nikitha Godishala, a native of Hyderabad, was reported missing on January 2 from her apartment in Columbia, Maryland. Howard County police later discovered her body with stab wounds inside the residence.

Authorities believe the murder occurred shortly after 7 pm on December 31, the same night Nikitha last spoke to her father, sending him New Year greetings.

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Accused Named, Arrest Warrant Issued

Police have named Arjun Sharma, 26, as the prime suspect in Nikitha Godishala’s killing. US authorities have obtained a warrant for his arrest on first- and second-degree murder charges.

Investigators allege that Sharma filed a missing person report after leaving the United States for India on January 2, claiming he had last seen Nikitha on the same day. A search of his apartment later led to the discovery of Nikitha’s body.

US law enforcement believes Sharma fled the country immediately after the killing.

Appeal to Indian Authorities

Nikitha Godishala’s family has appealed to both the central government and the Telangana government for assistance in bringing her mortal remains back to India at the earliest.

“We request the Central and state governments to help bring her mortal remains soon and ensure that the accused is caught and punished,” her father said.

The Indian Embassy in Washington DC has confirmed that it is in contact with the family and is coordinating with local authorities to provide consular support and help locate the accused.

Who Was Nikitha Godishala?

Nikitha had been living in the United States for four years, having moved there in 2021 to pursue higher studies. After completing her master’s degree, she was working as a Data and Strategy Analyst at a healthcare firm.

Her family shared that she was recently recognized as the Best Employee at her workplace, reflecting her dedication and professional success. She last visited India three years ago and had been planning her future with optimism.

Family Demands Strict Punishment

While Anand Godishala said he is unaware of financial disputes beyond what has been reported, he remains firm in his demand that the accused face the strictest punishment under the law.

Nikitha’s family, based in Tarnaka, Hyderabad, is struggling to cope with the loss and continues to seek swift justice and closure.

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A Case That Raises Broader Concerns

The Nikitha Godishala case has once again raised concerns about the safety of Indian students and professionals abroad, as well as the need for strong international cooperation in criminal investigations.

As authorities continue their efforts to apprehend the accused, Nikitha’s family hopes that justice will not be delayed — and that the truth behind her death will be fully acknowledged.

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