The tragic death of Nikita Godishala in early 2026 sent shockwaves through the Indian-American community and her hometown of Hyderabad. A young, ambitious professional, her life was cut short in an incident that sparked an international manhunt.
Who is Nikita Godishala?
Nikita Godishala (also spelled Nikitha Rao Godishala) was a 27-year-old Indian data analyst working in the United States. She was a dedicated professional employed at Vheda Health in Columbia, Maryland. Known for her academic excellence and career aspirations, she moved to the U.S. to pursue higher education and build a career in healthcare data analytics. Tragically, she became the victim of a homicide in January 2026, allegedly at the hands of an acquaintance.
Nikita Godishala Age – How Old is She?
At the time of her death in January 2026, Nikita Godishala was 27 years old. She was born around 1998/1999. She had been living in the United States for several years, first as a student and then as a working professional.
Nikita Godishala Biography / Wiki Table
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Nikitha Rao Godishala |
| Age | 27 years (at time of death) |
| Date of Death | Found January 3, 2026 (Missing since Dec 31, 2025) |
| Place of Death | Columbia, Maryland, USA |
| Hometown | Secunderabad/Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
| Education | University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Master’s) |
| Profession | Data and Strategy Analyst |
| Father | Anand Godishala |
Early Life and Background
Nikita Godishala was born and raised in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. She grew up in a supportive family in the Vijayapuri Colony area of Tarnaka/Secunderabad. Her father, Anand Godishala, described her as a bright and ambitious daughter who had gone abroad to achieve her dreams.
It is worth noting that Nikita maintained strong ties with her family in India while building her life in America. Her background was rooted in the medical and pharmaceutical sciences, a passion she pursued from her undergraduate days in India to her professional life in the U.S..
Nikita Godishala Education
Nikita was a highly educated individual with a strong academic record.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad: She completed her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree here between 2015 and 2021.
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC): To further her career, she moved to the U.S. and earned a Master’s degree in Health Information Technology from 2022 to 2023.
Nikita Godishala Career Journey
Nikita’s career was on an upward trajectory at the time of her passing.
- Early Career in India: She worked as a Clinical Pharmacist Intern and later as a Clinical Data Specialist at KIMS Hospitals in India for about two years.
- Management Sciences for Health: In the U.S., she worked as a Data Analysis and Visualization Specialist from August 2023 to September 2024.
- Vheda Health: In February 2025, she joined Vheda Health as a Data and Strategy Analyst. She was recognized for her hard work with the company’s “All-In Award” shortly before her death.
Nikita Godishala Physical Appearance – Table
Based on missing person reports circulated during the search for her, the following physical details were released.
| Feature | Measurement |
| Height | Approx. 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 52 kg (115 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown/Black |
Nikita Godishala Family
Nikita’s family has been vocal in seeking justice for her untimely death.
| Family Member | Name |
| Father | Anand Godishala |
| Mother | Name not publicly cited in reports |
| Hometown | Secunderabad, Telangana |
It is worth noting that her father, Anand, publicly disputed police characterizations of the suspect, Arjun Sharma, as her “ex-boyfriend,” clarifying that he was an ex-flatmate and alleging that the motive for the crime was a financial dispute.
Death and Investigation News
Nikita Godishala was found dead in an apartment in Columbia, Maryland, on January 3, 2026, after being reported missing on New Year’s Eve. She had suffered multiple stab wounds. The prime suspect, 26-year-old Arjun Sharma, fled the U.S. for India immediately after filing a missing person report himself.
In a swift international operation, Sharma was arrested in Tamil Nadu, India, in early January 2026. He faces charges of first-degree and second-degree murder in the United States. Her family has since urged the government to help repatriate her remains to India.
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