Tucson: A 20-year-old Indian student accused of killing his 19-year-old girlfriend in Tucson, Arizona, has been arrested in Germany after investigators tracked his journey out of the United States, police said.
Varun Batchigari, who was studying business analytics at the University of Arizona, is accused of killing Julissa Rubi Salazar at her Tucson apartment on August 6. He was allegedly attempting to travel onward to India when authorities intercepted him in Germany.
According to the Tucson Police Department, Batchigari first flew out of Tucson International Airport and travelled to Germany. Investigators had obtained a warrant charging him with first-degree murder and kidnapping.
The arrest was carried out through coordination between the Tucson Police Department, the FBI’s Tucson office and the FBI’s legal attaché office in Berlin. Police said the intervention prevented Batchigari from continuing his journey towards India.
Family alerted after messages sent from victim’s phone
Investigators allege that after Salazar’s death, Batchigari took her mobile phone and credit cards. Police further suspect that he sent messages to Salazar’s mother while pretending to be the young woman.
The unusual messages reportedly prompted concern among her family, who requested a welfare check. Officers subsequently went to the apartment and discovered Salazar’s body.
According to local reports, emergency personnel had initially been called to the residence around 4 pm following a report of a possible cardiac arrest. Salazar was found unresponsive on the floor, with a blanket covering part of her body.
Paramedics noticed marks and scratches around her neck, leading them to contact police and prompting a homicide investigation.
Investigators looking into earlier allegations
The murder investigation has also brought earlier allegations concerning Batchigari and his relationship with Salazar under scrutiny.
According to the arrest warrant cited by local media, Batchigari had previously come to the attention of the University of Arizona Police Department in connection with an assault investigation.
Investigators also spoke with people who said Salazar had moved out after experiencing difficulties in the relationship. Some witnesses reportedly told police that she intended to end the relationship and had described a history of alleged domestic violence.
The warrant contains additional allegations of previous violent behaviour. One witness reportedly accused Batchigari of sexual assault at a Halloween party, although the allegation was not reported to police at the time.
These allegations remain part of the investigation and have not been established as proven facts in court.
Extradition process now underway
Batchigari is currently awaiting extradition to Arizona. Once returned, he is expected to be booked at the Pima County Adult Detention Complex in connection with the charges.
The case remains under investigation, while authorities in the United States work with German officials on the extradition process.
Police have not indicated how long the proceedings will take before Batchigari is brought back to Arizona to face the allegations.
