An Indian man wanted in connection with the killing of 27-year-old Nikitha Godishala in Maryland has been taken into custody in India, months after authorities said he fled the United States.

The suspect, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, was traced to a flat in Agra during an investigation by Hyderabad police into a separate cheating complaint filed by Godishala’s father, Anand Godishala.

Authorities in the United States had obtained an arrest warrant for Sharma on first- and second-degree murder charges. He is accused of killing Godishala and leaving the country afterward. The allegations have not yet been tested at trial.

Nikitha Godishala Found Dead in Maryland Apartment

Godishala, who had been living in the United States for about four years and working as a data and strategy analyst, was reported missing on January 2, 2026.

Police later found her dead with multiple stab wounds inside an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, linked to Sharma.

Her family in Hyderabad said Indian authorities informed them on January 4 that she had suffered multiple stab wounds and that investigators believed she had been killed on December 31, 2025.

U.S. police have described Sharma as Godishala’s former boyfriend. Her father, however, has said the two were roommates and has claimed that financial disputes may have played a role in the killing.

Hyderabad Police Trace Sharma to Agra

A cheating case was registered against Sharma in Telangana in April after Godishala’s father alleged that Sharma had borrowed money from her and failed to repay it.

During that investigation, Hyderabad police developed leads that took a team to Agra, where Sharma was located in a flat.

Police said a notice was initially issued to him in connection with the cheating case. Authorities then informed central agencies after learning that a murder case and a non-bailable warrant were already pending against him.

Sharma was subsequently produced before Patiala House Court in New Delhi and was remanded on August 25 in connection with the U.S. murder case.

Family Alleges Financial Dispute Before Killing

Godishala’s parents have alleged that Sharma lost his job around August or September 2025 and later borrowed money from Godishala and members of her family.

They say disputes over money existed before her death and that Sharma also had other financial dealings in the United States.

The family has welcomed his detention as an important development in the case.

Extradition to United States Expected

Howard County police said they had been informed by international authorities that Sharma was in custody in India and is expected to face extradition proceedings.

No timeline has been announced for when he could be returned to the United States.

If extradited, Sharma is expected to face the murder charges filed against him in Maryland. Until then, the case will continue through the legal and diplomatic process between Indian and U.S. authorities.