News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (January 10, 2025 - January 16, 2025) January 16, 2025 26 Community Indian Woman Found Dead In Maryland; Embassy Extends Consular Support T he Indian Embassy inWashington said it is in touch with the family of Nikitha Godishala and is extending all possible consular assistance and closely following the matter with local authorities, after the Indian national was found dead in Columbia, Maryland. According to local police in Maryland, the 27-year-old woman, originally from India, had been reported missing earlier this week. Her body was later recovered from an apartment in Columbia, Mary- land, where she had been residing, police said. Investigators have identified her former boyfriend as the prime suspect in the case. Police said the suspect allegedly reported her missing and left the United States shortly thereafter. Authorities have issued arrest warrants on charges includ- ing first and second degree murder, and are coordinating with federal agencies regarding next steps. The Indian Embassy said it is providing all required support to the bereaved fam- ily, including assistance with documenta- tion and coordination with local officials. The Embassy is also monitoring develop- ments in the investigation and remains in touch with concerned agencies, an official statement said. Friends and community members de- scribed Godishala as a young professional who had moved to the United States for higher studies and work opportunities. Members of the Indian diaspora in the region expressed shock over the incident and called for swift justice. The case has drawn attention amid growing concerns over the safety of Indian nationals abroad. The Embassy has advised Indian citizens in the United States to remain vigilant and to reach out to consular officials in case of emergency. Meanwhile, local authorities said the investigation is ongoing and further de- tails will be released as appropriate. They urged anyone with information related to the case to contact law enforcement. The family of Godishala has sought privacy as legal processes continue. Offi- cials said cooperation between Indian and United States authorities would continue to ensure that the matter is pursued in ac- cordance with law. Police said consular coordination would remain essential as the case pro- ceeds across jurisdictions, and reiterated that updates would be shared follow- ing established legal procedures and court processes in due course, subject to investigation requirements and judicial timelines. ADDON BY DESI TALK Godishala’s Linkedin profile describes her as “Data and Strategy Analyst at Vheda Health | Masters in Health Information Technology | Doctorate of Pharmacy (Pharm.D)” She says on her site that she has excel- lent communication skills, and describes her personality and goals as follows- “Driven by a passion for leveraging data- driven insights to optimize healthcare systems and improve patient outcomes, I am a results-oriented professional with expertise in Health Information Technolo- gy and Pharmacy. My diverse background in Clinical Research, Pharmacy, Health- care Administration, and Data Manage- ment equips me with a unique skill set to drive impactful change in the healthcare industry.” News reports identify her ex-boyfriend as Arjun Sharma, 26. By ANI (with addon by Desi Talk) PHOTO;LINKEDIN @NIKITHAGODISHALA PHOTO:COURTESY BHARAT RANA Nikitha Godishala. Ketan Bhuptani Becomes First Indian American Deputy Mayor Of Livingston, New Jersey K etan Bhuptani made history when he was sworn in January 4, 2026, as the Deputy Mayor of Livingston Township, New Jersey. He is the first Indian American to hold that post. Bhuptani is also the first Asian American to hold this local office in the municipal- ity of Livingston Township Council where 29% of the population is of Asian descent. The ceremony was attended by mem- bers of the Livingston community, town- ship employees, former mayors, school board members, representatives from various service organizations. Bhuptani’s appointment was supported by mem- bers of the administration including Essex County Commissioner Pat Sebold, Livingston Board of Education President Pamela Chirls, immediate past president of the Board of Education Vineeta Khanna and former member of the Board of Education George Shen and members of Sanskriti of New Jersey of which Bhuptani is the co-founder. Speaking at the occasion, Bhuptani said that he is honored to be the first Indian American and Asian-American on the council, and working for the community at large. “It’s really an honor to be the first for that, but it also means that a lot of integration can happen as well,” he said. “I look forward to working on that,” he said. “I am humbled by the trust placed in me and fully committed to working every day to move our community forward,” he was quoted saying in a press release. Outlining his key priorities as a Deputy Mayor, Bhuptani said his focus would be to create a safe, vibrant and forward- looking Livingston. The Township Council congratulated Bhuptani and expressed confidence in his leadership, according to the press release. Bhuptani has lived in Livinston for 23 years with his wife and two daughters having immigrated from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in India. He has been active in the public life of Livingston since then, having served on many township committees, and being part of many civic initiatives including the Zoning Board, the July 4th Celebration Committee, Sanskriti of New Jersey, the Livingston Cricket Association and many cultural and social initiatives and community efforts. Livingston Township is located in the 11th Congressional District in the Essex County in the state of New Jersey. With a population of approximately 31,300 ac- cording to the 2020 census, Livingston’s Asian population has grown from 5,609 in 2010 census to 9,014 in 2020 census. It is known as an affluent, family oriented suburban town with high quality of life, excellent public schools and diverse population. By Archana Adalja PHOTO:SCREENSHOT FROMVIDEO Ketan Bhuptani being sworn in as Deputy Mayor of Livingston, NJ, Jan. 4, 2026. Ketan Bhuptani, 4th from left, with friends and family at his swearing in ceremony as the first Indian American Deputy Mayor of Livingston, NJ.