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A 20-year-old Indian was arrested in Germany on Sunday, August 9, in connection with the alleged murder of his 19-year-old girlfriend in Tucson, Arizona, US media reports said.
Varun Batchigari is accused of strangling college student Julissa Rubi Salazar, who was found dead in her apartment near the University of Arizona on August 6. Police said Salazar’s family had requested a welfare check after becoming concerned about her.
Tucson police officers who reached the apartment around 4 pm found Salazar unresponsive and with signs of trauma.
Investigators later identified Varun as the main suspect. Varun had been studying business analytics at the University of Arizona but was reportedly expelled after a fight. Reports also say he had faced previous domestic violence allegations.
Police allege that he took Salazar’s phone and credit cards and sent messages to her mother pretending to be the victim while attempting to leave the US.
According to authorities, Varun flew to Houston from Tucson International Airport. He then boarded a flight to Berlin, Germany. Investigators believe he may have been trying to return to India.
US authorities issued an arrest warrant and worked with federal agencies to track him. He was detained in Berlin after arriving there and is expected to be extradited to Arizona. He will face a first-degree murder charge and is expected to be booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex.
The investigation has also focused on the couple’s relationship. Reports said Salazar had planned to end the relationship after allegedly experiencing abusive behaviour and sexual assault.
Her roommates reportedly heard loud screaming from her room on August 5 and later contacted her to check on her. They were told that she was safe and that the incident had been an argument.
Authorities are also reviewing allegations concerning Varun’s previous conduct. Records cited by US media reportedly show an assault case filed against him in Pima County on May 26. Another woman allegedly told investigators that Varun sexually assaulted her on Halloween, although she did not report the incident at the time.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Salazar’s death. Varun had recently lost his job, reportedly creating financial difficulties and concerns over his immigration status. Authorities have not said whether these issues were connected to the alleged killing or his decision to leave the US.
