US Crime
Indian-origin woman found dead in US: Parents call accused’s arrest an ‘important breakthrough’
The parents of an Indian-origin woman, who was found dead in the US, have described the arrest of the accused as an "important breakthrough".
Nikitha Godishala's parents said they are still seeking an answer for the daughter's death and the circumstances surrounding the probe into her murder.
"We cannot bring our daughter back. We ran from pillar to post, made nearly 200 calls and refused to give up even when we feared justice might never come. Today, we thank the Government of India, NHRC (National Human Rights Commission), our police and every person who stood beside us. Their support has brought us to this important stage," they told NDTV following the arrest of Arjun Sharma.
"We now respectfully ask the US authorities for transparency, cooperation and answers. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for what every parent deserves when their child is killed - the truth. We will continue until Nikitha receives the justice and dignity she deserves," they added.
Meanwhile, the Howard County Police Department said it has been notified by international authorities that Arjun Sharma is in custody in India.
"Extradition is expected, but there is no timeline for his return to the U.S," police said in a statement.
Indian-origin woman Nikitha Godishala, who went missing on New Year’s Eve, was found dead with stab wounds inside the apartment of her ex-boyfriend in Columbia, Maryland, US, police said.
The deceased has been identified as Nikitha Godishala, 27, a resident of Ellicott City.
Arjun Sharma, 26, of Columbia, made the missing person report to police and said he last saw his ex-girlfriend, Nikitha Godishala, 27, of Ellicott City, on Dec. 31 in his apartment in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road. Police later learned that on the same day as making the report, Jan. 2, Sharma left the country on a flight to India. Detectives on Jan. 3 executed a search warrant for his apartment and located Godishala deceased.
Through investigation, detectives believe Sharma killed Godishala shortly after 7 p.m. on Dec. 31,police said.
Sharma was reportedly tracked to a flat in the north Indian city of Agra by a team of Hyderabad police.
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