COLUMBIA, Md. – A Maryland man wanted on murder charges after his ex-girlfriend was found stabbed to death inside his Columbia apartment has been captured in India, according to Howard County police.
Arjun Sharma, 26, is in custody in India, police announced Thursday. Extradition to the United States is expected, although authorities said there is currently no timeline for his return.
- Sharma is charged with first- and second-degree murder in the death of 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala.
- Police say Sharma reported Godishala missing Jan. 2, the same day he flew out of the United States for India.
- International authorities have now taken Sharma into custody, and police say extradition is expected.
Godishala, of Ellicott City, was found dead with stab wounds Jan. 3 after detectives searched Sharma’s apartment in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road.
Police Say Sharma Reported Ex-Girlfriend Missing Before Leaving U.S.
According to the Howard County Police Department, Sharma reported Godishala missing Jan. 2 and told investigators he had last seen his former girlfriend Dec. 31 at his apartment.
Police later learned Sharma left the country on a flight to India on Jan. 2, the same day he filed the missing-person report.
Detectives obtained a search warrant and entered Sharma’s apartment the following day. Inside, investigators found Godishala dead with stab wounds.
Police subsequently obtained a warrant charging Sharma with first-degree murder and second-degree murder.
Investigators believe Godishala was killed shortly after 7 p.m. Dec. 31. Police have not announced a motive.
International Authorities Take Sharma Into Custody
After Sharma left the United States, Howard County police worked with federal law enforcement to locate and arrest him.
That international search has now resulted in his apprehension.
“HCPD has been notified by international authorities that Arjun Sharma is in custody in India,” police said in Thursday’s update. “Extradition is expected, but there is no timeline for his return to the U.S.”
Police did not identify the international agency that took Sharma into custody or disclose where in India he was arrested.
Once returned to Maryland, Sharma is expected to face the murder charges filed in connection with Godishala’s death. The extradition process, however, could take time.
The investigation into the killing remains ongoing.
The charges against Sharma are allegations and have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless convicted.
Arjun Sharma is now in custody in India.
Howard County police received confirmation from international authorities Thursday and expect Sharma will eventually be extradited to the United States.
Nikitha Godishala was found stabbed to death inside Sharma’s Columbia apartment.
Detectives discovered the 27-year-old Ellicott City woman while executing a search warrant Jan. 3.
Police have not announced when Sharma will return to Maryland.
Authorities say extradition is expected, but no timeline has been established.
Sources: Howard County Police Department original release and Aug. 27 update.
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