Hyderabad: US police suspected a Telugu woman murder in Maryland after finding the body of a 27-year-old woman inside an apartment and linking the crime to her former friend who fled to India soon after filing a missing complaint.
The victim, Nikita Godishala, lived in Columbia. Police said Arjun Sharma, 26, reported her missing and claimed he last saw her on December 31 in Ellicott City. Shortly after submitting the complaint, Arjun left the United States and travelled to India.
Investigators grew suspicious after his sudden departure. They obtained a search warrant and inspected his apartment in Columbia. During the search, police found Nikita lying dead inside the flat. Officers observed multiple stab injuries on her body, indicating a violent assault.
Based on preliminary findings, police believed Arjun Sharma killed Nikita and escaped to India to evade arrest. Local authorities said the nature of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the disappearance strengthened their suspicion against him.
Federal agencies join probe into Telugu woman murder
Following Arjun’s exit from the country, local police sought assistance from federal agencies to trace and arrest him. Officials initiated coordination for his possible detention and extradition from India as the investigation continued.
Meanwhile, police confirmed that Nikita’s family roots were in the Secunderabad area. Authorities said they were informing relatives through official channels and continuing forensic and procedural work related to the Telugu woman murder case.
