Indian Student Arrested in Germany Over US Girlfriend’s Murder

A 20 year old Indian student has been arrested in Germany in connection with the alleged murder of his 19 year old girlfriend in Tucson, Arizona.

Julissa Rubi Salazar was found dead inside her apartment near the University of Arizona on August 6. Her family had asked police to check on her after they became worried. Police said she had signs of trauma and suspect she was strangled.

Investigators identified her boyfriend, Varun Batchigari, as the main suspect. Police say he left Tucson after the incident. He travelled to Houston and then flew to Berlin, Germany. Authorities believe he was trying to reach India.

Arizona police issued an arrest warrant and worked with federal officials to track him. German authorities later detained him after he arrived in the country.

Police are also checking Batchigari’s past. He was studying business analytics at the University of Arizona but was reportedly expelled after a fight. He also had an ongoing assault case in Arizona and a reported history of domestic violence.

Investigators believe Salazar was planning to end their relationship because of problems and alleged violence. Her roommates reportedly heard loud screams from her room days before her death. Salazar later told them that everything was fine and that it was only an argument.

Batchigari is expected to be sent back to Arizona, where he will face a first degree murder charge.

Salazar’s family remembered her as a loving daughter and sister who was studying in college away from home.

The investigation is continuing. Batchigari is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.