Hyderabad Woman’s Father Dismisses Ex-Boyfriend Claim, Seeks Justice
Updated on Jan - 06 - 2026, 12:18 AM
In a heartbreaking turn to a case that has gripped both Indian and global attention, the father of Hyderabad-born Nikitha Godishala has publicly rejected claims that the man accused in his daughter’s killing was her ex-boyfriend, offering instead a different perspective in the search for justice.
Nikitha, 27, was found dead with stab wounds in an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, earlier this week after being reported missing in the first days of January. Local authorities in the United States have named 26-year-old Arjun Sharma a man they claim was her ex-boyfriend as the prime suspect and issued an arrest warrant accusing him of first- and second-degree murder. He is believed to have fled to India following the horrific incident.
However, Nikitha’s father, Anand Godishala, has strongly disputed this narrative. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized that Sharma was never romantically involved with his daughter. Instead, he described him as a former roommate who once shared an apartment with Nikitha along with two other individuals. “He was not her ex-boyfriend,” Anand stated, adding that the relationship has been wrongly portrayed in both media reports and official accounts.
Anand also revealed that Sharma had taken multiple loans from various people and was planning to return to India. While he did not confirm the existence of a direct financial dispute between Sharma and Nikitha, he said his daughter had recently become aware of those debts. He maintained that there was no known major conflict between them.
Recalling their last conversation, Anand said Nikitha spoke to him on New Year’s Eve to exchange routine wishes. Nothing in that conversation suggested she was in danger. She was reported missing shortly afterward on January 2. Since then, the family has appealed to Indian and Telangana authorities to assist in bringing her mortal remains back home.
Nikitha had been living in the United States for the past four years and was working as a data and strategy analyst at Vheda Health after completing her master’s degree. According to her uncle, she was recently honoured with a Best Employee award at her workplace.
Anand further claimed that Sharma initially contacted the police to report Nikitha missing but left the country almost immediately afterward, a detail he believes raises serious questions. As the investigation continues, the grieving family is demanding accountability and justice, urging authorities to ensure that whoever is responsible for Nikitha’s death is brought to law.