Matribhumi Samachar English
- Parents kept in the dark for eight months over crucial details surrounding their daughter’s death.
- “We received crucial information through the media, not officially” Nikitha’s parents.
Hyderabad, August 2026: Late Nikitha Godishala was killed around 31 December 2025 in Maryland, United States. Nearly eight months later, her parents say they are still seeking clear answers about their daughter’s death and the circumstances surrounding the investigation.
One of the most painful concerns is the family’s claim that they were never officially informed that Nikitha’s body was reportedly found inside a suitcase and instead learnt this traumatic detail through media reports. Despite repeated emails and attempts to obtain information, they say communication from US authorities remained limited, with their last substantial interaction occurring around late January or early February 2026, following assistance from Indian-American Telugu associations and elected representatives.
The family’s question is simple: Why should grieving parents have to learn crucial details about their daughter’s death through the media rather than from the authorities investigating her case? They emphasise that they seek answers, not confrontation.
Nearly 200 Calls and Months of Pursuing Justice
After making nearly 200 calls and approaching authorities and organisations in India and the United States, the family has welcomed the arrest and custody of Arjun Sharma in Delhi as an important breakthrough.
According to information communicated to the family and subsequent court proceedings, Sharma was arrested following the execution of non-bailable warrants and was taken into custody by a Delhi court.
For Nikitha’s parents, the arrest represents more than a legal development. It marks a significant moment after months of navigating two countries, multiple authorities, different jurisdictions and complex legal processes, while repeatedly seeking information about what happened to their daughter.
The family says it approached the Government of India, NHRC, Telangana Police, senior police officials, political representatives, the Women’s Commission and others, repeatedly seeking assistance and asking which authority they should approach next.
They also report receiving indirect threats and intimidating communications suggesting that justice might remain out of reach while Sharma was free. The family has requested that the competent authorities examine the origin and circumstances of these communications and determine whether any offence was committed or whether they were connected to persons associated with the case.
Financial Circumstances Need Examination
The family also rejects reducing Nikitha’s death to a simplistic romantic narrative. According to her parents, Sharma lost his employment around August–September 2025 and subsequently borrowed money from Nikitha and members of her family. They say financial disputes involving money allegedly owed to Nikitha existed before her death and that Sharma also had financial dealings with others in the United States.
The family therefore requests investigators in India and the US to examine financial transactions, communications and activity involving Nikitha’s financial accounts and mobile phone before and after her death, and establish their relevance based on evidence.
They have also requested an investigation into the conduct of Rachna Sharma, including their allegations concerning her knowledge of Sharma’s whereabouts, any assistance allegedly provided to him, and her knowledge of financial transactions. The family stresses that it is not asking for guilt to be presumed, but wants evidence to determine whether any additional person bears criminal responsibility.
Gratitude to Those Who Stood With the Family
The family expresses deep gratitude to everyone who supported them during these difficult months, particularly BJP Telangana State President Shri N. Ramchander Rao, the National Human Rights Commission, the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Women’s Commission, Telangana Police officials, public representatives and BJP leaders, MCRF Foundation and others.
They express special appreciation to IPS officers Charu Sinha and Rakshitha Murthy, who, according to the family, remained in contact and extended support.
They also thank activists Smt. Sree Divya Vadlapudi and Dr. Govindarajulu Vadlapudi for continuously supporting the family, guiding them and helping coordinate with authorities and stakeholders.
“When we did not know which door to knock on next, every person who answered our call mattered. Every official who listened, every representation that was forwarded and every institution that acted gave us the strength to continue.”
The Arrest Is a Beginning, Not the End
Nikitha’s parents now respectfully appeal to the concerned US authorities to communicate directly and transparently with them, provide information that can lawfully be shared with the victim’s next of kin, and cooperate fully with Indian authorities.
They want every relevant financial transaction, communication, witness and piece of evidence examined and every person ultimately found responsible held accountable according to law.
Their experience also raises a larger question: When an Indian citizen becomes the victim of a grave crime overseas, should grieving parents have to navigate two governments, two legal systems and nearly 200 telephone calls simply to understand what is happening to their child’s case?
The family believes India and partner countries need stronger cross-border victim-family communication and coordination mechanisms, so that other families do not have to endure the same uncertainty.
Nikitha’s parents say:
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, our police and every person who stood beside us. Their support has brought us to this important stage.
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.
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