Hyderabad Woman Found Dead in US: Father Disputes ‘Ex-Boyfriend’ Claim, Raises Loan Angle

The father of Hyderabad-born Nikitha Godishala, who was found dead in the United States, on Monday rejected claims that the prime accused was her former boyfriend and demanded strict punishment for whoever was responsible for his daughter’s killing.

Nikitha, 27, was found dead with stab wounds inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, days after she was reported missing. US authorities have obtained an arrest warrant against Arjun Sharma, 26, on charges of first- and second-degree murder, alleging that he killed her and fled to India.

‘He was not her ex-boyfriend’

Nikitha’s father, Anand Godishala, denied police claims describing Sharma as her ex-boyfriend. “He is a former roommate, not her ex-boyfriend,” Anand told PTI.

He said Sharma had earlier lived in the apartment along with Nikitha and two other individuals.

Loans and possible motive

Citing media reports, Anand said his daughter had recently learnt that Sharma had borrowed money from several people and was planning to return to India. He added that this information emerged shortly before her death, though he said he was not aware of any confirmed financial dispute between the two.

Asked whether money issues could have been a motive, Anand said he had yet to speak in detail with Nikitha’s friends.

Last call on New Year’s Eve

Recalling his last conversation with his daughter, Anand said Nikitha had called him on the night of December 31 to wish him for the New Year. He said nothing during the call suggested she was under distress. Nikitha was reported missing on January 2.

The family has appealed to the Union government and the Telangana government to help ensure the early repatriation of Nikitha’s mortal remains.

Life in the US

Nikitha had been living in the US for the past four years and last visited India three years ago, her father said. After completing her MS in the US, she was working as a data and strategy analyst at Vheda Health, PTI reported.

Her uncle, Santosh Kumar, said Nikitha had received a Best Employee award just last month. The family learnt of her death from a cousin who also lives in the US. Originally from Hyderabad, the family currently resides in Tarnaka.

Accused ‘filed complaint, then fled’

Anand also alleged that Sharma was the one who initially approached US police before fleeing the country. “He reportedly made the complaint and then escaped to India. He should be caught and given strict punishment,” he said.

US authorities have said Sharma is suspected of killing Nikitha and fleeing to India, and efforts are under way to track him down.