An international manhunt has been launched for a man from Maryland in the United States, who is accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend before fleeing the country for India.
Body Discovered After Suspect Flees
Howard County police have issued an arrest warrant for 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, charging him with first and second-degree murder in the death of 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala. The grim discovery was made after Sharma had already left the United States.
Investigators believe Godishala was killed at Sharma's apartment in Columbia on New Year's Eve, 31 December. Police stated that she had suffered multiple stab wounds and was likely killed shortly after 7 pm that evening.
A Calculated Escape to India
The sequence of events suggests a chilling level of planning. According to authorities, Sharma contacted emergency services on Friday 2 January to report Godishala missing. However, police believe that after making that call, he travelled to Dulles International Airport in Virginia and boarded a flight to India.
"There was obviously some level of premeditation involved, given the sequence of events and the suspect’s departure from the country," said Howard County police spokesman Seth Hoffman.
Later on Friday, after learning Sharma had left the country, officers obtained a search warrant for his apartment on Twin Rivers Road. It was there they discovered Godishala's body.
Global Cooperation for an Arrest
Howard County police confirmed they are now working with federal agencies and international partners to track down and arrest Sharma. Extradition proceedings are expected to follow if he is located and taken into custody in India or another country.
Police noted there were no prior emergency calls to the address involving the pair. A motive for the killing has not yet been established, and it remains unclear if a weapon was recovered from the apartment. The investigation is ongoing.
If apprehended, Sharma will be returned to Howard County to face trial for the murder charges.
