Nikitha Godishalawoman killed in US; body to be flown to India by January 8
HYDERABAD: The mortal remains of Hyderabad-born woman Nikitha Godishala, who was allegedly murdered in the United States, are expected to be flown to India by January 8, Union minister G Kishan Reddy said on January 7.
Reddy said all legal and administrative formalities had been completed. In a post on X, he said the remains were likely to be flown to India “either today or tomorrow”. He also shared a letter from the Indian Embassy in Washington stating it had no objection to the repatriation.
Embassy clearance after family’s request
Following a request from Godishala’s family, Reddy had taken up the matter with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to facilitate the process, officials said.
Nikitha Godishala, 27, a resident of Ellicott City in Maryland, was reported missing on January 2. Police later found her dead with stab wounds in an apartment in Columbia, which belonged to her former roommate.
Murder charges, suspect alleged to have fled
The Howard County Police said a warrant has been obtained against Arjun Sharma, 26, on charges of first- and second-degree murder. Investigators have alleged that Sharma killed Godishala and fled to India.
Godishala’s family has urged US authorities to issue an international arrest warrant against the suspect to ensure his swift arrest and extradition.
