Howard County Police confirmed that the body of 27-year-old Nikita Godishala was recovered from Sharma’s apartment in Columbia, Maryland. Investigators said the victim had multiple knife wounds, and evidence at the scene led them to register a murder case against Sharma. An arrest warrant has been issued, charging him with first- and second-degree murder.

According to police, Godishala was last seen on the evening of December 31. Investigators believe she was killed around 7 pm that day. Sharma reported her missing on January 2 but left the United States for India the same day, raising immediate suspicion. Authorities said the sequence of events and forensic findings pointed to Sharma’s involvement.

The Howard County Police Department said it is coordinating with US federal agencies and international partners to locate the accused. The US Attorney’s Office is preparing to seek an Interpol Red Notice, a mechanism that alerts law enforcement agencies in nearly 200 countries to provisionally arrest a wanted person pending extradition.

Officials noted that while the United States and India share an extradition treaty, the legal process can be lengthy and may take several months, depending on court proceedings and diplomatic clearances. Indian authorities are expected to be notified formally once the Red Notice is issued.

Godishala was a healthcare professional with a strong academic background. She earned a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in India before moving to the United States for higher studies. She later completed a master’s degree in Health Information Technology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and was working as a data and strategy analyst at a health company in Columbia.

Police said Godishala and Sharma had previously been in a relationship that had ended, though they remained in contact. Investigators are still working to establish a clear motive and have not disclosed further details, citing the ongoing nature of the case.

The incident has drawn attention to concerns around cross-border crime and the challenges of bringing suspects to justice when they leave the country. US authorities said they remain committed to pursuing the case and ensuring accountability through international legal channels.