Delhi Court Takes Arjun Sharma Into Custody Over Nikitha Godishala Murder

A Delhi court has taken Arjun Sharma into custody following the execution of non-bailable warrants in connection with the killing of Hyderabad woman Nikitha Godishala in Maryland, United States, her family announced at Lalaguda on Thursday.

The court took Sharma into custody on August 25, marking a significant development in the eight-month-old case. US authorities have accused Sharma of murdering Nikitha in Maryland before returning to India. Nikitha was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside Sharma's apartment in Columbia, Maryland, on January 3, with investigators believing she was killed on December 31, 2025.

Speaking at Lalaguda, Nikitha’s father, Anand Godishala, said the family had made nearly 200 calls and approached multiple institutions across India and the US before Sharma was detained. Despite the arrest, the family stated that several crucial questions remain unanswered and called for direct, transparent communication from US investigators.

Anand stated that one of their deepest concerns was discovering through media reports—rather than through official investigative channels—that Nikitha's body was reportedly found inside a suitcase. He said the family's last substantial communication with US authorities occurred in late January or early February 2026, following help from Indian-American Telugu associations and elected officials.

The family urged investigators not to treat the case as a romantic dispute, calling for a thorough examination of financial motives. According to the family, Sharma lost his job around August-September 2025 and subsequently borrowed money from Nikitha and her relatives, leading to financial disagreements before her death. The family has requested scrutiny of bank accounts and mobile phone records belonging to Nikitha.

Additionally, the family reported receiving indirect threats while Sharma was at large and asked authorities to look into the conduct of his mother, Rachna Sharma, regarding her knowledge of his whereabouts and finances. Anand acknowledged the support received from the Government of India, the National Human Rights Commission, the Women's Commission, and Telangana Police officials Charu Sinha and Rakshitha Murthy.