Hyderabad: A Telugu girl, Nikita Godishala (27), was murdered under suspicious circumstances in Columbia city of Maryland in the United States, police said, adding that the prime accused fled to India before authorities detected the crime.
Police recovered Nikita’s body from an apartment where her former friend had been staying. Officials said the accused left the United States and reached India before police uncovered the murder.
Arjun Sharma filed a missing complaint after Nikita went untraceable following New Year celebrations. He told police that he last saw her on December 31 at her apartment in Ellicott City.
Suspect fled to India before police uncovered murder
During the investigation, police confirmed that Arjun Sharma boarded a flight to India on January 2. Due to rising suspicion, officers secured a search warrant and searched his apartment. They discovered Nikita’s body inside the flat during the operation.
Police said Nikita had visible injury marks on her body. Preliminary findings showed that the murder occurred after 7.30 pm on December 31. Investigators said evidence indicated Arjun Sharma’s involvement, though the motive remains unclear.
Officials said they have sought support from federal authorities to trace and detain the suspect who escaped to India. Meanwhile, Nikita’s friends launched a social media campaign to trace her whereabouts. However, the confirmation of her murder on Sunday left them devastated.
Police said Nikita’s social media profiles indicate that her family roots are in Secunderabad. However, officials have not yet officially disclosed details about her native place in India.