A 27-year-old Indian woman reported missing since New Year’s Eve has been found dead with multiple stab wounds inside her former boyfriend’s apartment in the US state of Maryland, police confirmed.

The victim has been identified as Nikitha Godishala, a data and strategy analyst residing in Ellicott City. Her body was discovered inside an apartment owned by her ex-boyfriend Arjun Sharma, aged 26, in Howard County.

Body found after missing complaint

According to Howard County Police Department, Sharma himself filed a missing person report on January 2, claiming he last saw Nikitha on December 31 at his apartment.

However, on January 3, detectives executed a search warrant at the same apartment and found Nikitha dead with stab injuries. Investigators believe she was killed shortly after 7 pm on December 31.

Ex-boyfriend flees to India

Police said Sharma left the United States on a flight to India on the same day he reported Nikitha missing. Authorities have since obtained an arrest warrant charging him with both first-degree and second-degree murder.

Law enforcement agencies believe Sharma fled the country to evade arrest. US police are now coordinating with federal agencies to track his location.

Investigation underway, motive unclear

Officials said the investigation is ongoing and the motive behind the killing is not yet known. Forensic analysis and digital evidence are being examined to establish the sequence of events leading to Nikitha’s death.

“This is a deeply disturbing case. We are working with multiple agencies to ensure the suspect is located and brought to justice,” a police official said.

Indian Embassy extends support

The Embassy of India in the United States confirmed it is in contact with Nikitha Godishala’s family and is providing all possible consular assistance. The embassy said it is also closely coordinating with local authorities.

India and the United States have an extradition treaty, which allows cooperation in serious criminal cases. However, officials noted that extradition proceedings typically involve lengthy legal and diplomatic processes.

The case has sparked outrage and grief among the Indian community in the US, with many demanding swift action and justice for the victim.