HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — A 26-year-old Columbia man was taken into custody in India in connection to the deadly stabbing of his ex-girlfriend on New Year’s Eve of last year, Howard County Police confirmed Thursday.
Arjun Sharma, 26, is awaiting extradition to the United States, but police say there currently isn’t a timeline for his return.
ALSO READ | Howard County police seek ex-boyfriend in fatal stabbing of missing woman
On Jan. 2, 2026, Sharma reported his girlfriend Nikitha Godishala, 27, of Ellicott City, missing. Police said he told officers he last saw her on December 31, 2025 at his apartment located in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road in Columbia.
Authorities later learned Sharma left the United States later that same day on a flight to India.
On January 3, detectives executed a search warrant at Sharma’s apartment where they found Godishala dead. Police said she suffered several stab wounds.
Investigators believe the victim was killed shortly after 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
Federal law enforcement agencies joined Howard County Police in their search for Sharma.
Nearly eight months after Godishala’s death, police announced that Sharma was taken into custody in India.
Sharma is facing first- and second-degree murder charges in connection to Godishala’s death.
Police have not released a motive.
Local Story
