A 27-year-old Indian woman was found dead inside an apartment in the US state of Maryland, police said. She had stab injuries.
Her former boyfriend, who owned the apartment, is now wanted for murder. US authorities say he flew to India just hours after reporting her missing.
Police in Howard County identified the woman as Nikitha Godishala, a healthcare professional based in Maryland.
Her ex-partner, Arjun Sharma, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder.
How the case unfolded
Police said Sharma contacted them on January 2 to report Godishala missing. He told officers he had last seen her on December 31 at his apartment in Columbia, Maryland.
Later that day, investigators confirmed that Sharma had left the United States for India.
On January 3, police searched the apartment on Twin Rivers Road. Inside, they found Godishala’s body. She had multiple stab wounds.
Investigators believe she was killed on the evening of December 31, shortly after 7 pm.
Police said no motive has been established yet. The investigation is still underway.
What happens next
After the body was found, an arrest warrant was issued against Sharma. He faces charges of first- and second-degree murder under US law.
Howard County Police said they are working with federal agencies to locate and arrest him.
The United States and India have an extradition treaty. Officials said such cases usually involve legal hearings and diplomatic coordination, and can take months.