Tucson: An Indian student has been arrested in Germany after allegedly killing his 19-year-old girlfriend in Tucson, Arizona, and fleeing the United States. Varun Batchigari, 20, is accused of first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with the death of University of Arizona student Julissa Rubi Salazar.
Salazar was found dead inside her apartment on August 6 after her family requested a welfare check. Investigators reportedly found signs of trauma and identified Batchigari as a suspect. Police say he left Tucson on the day of the incident and travelled to Germany while apparently attempting to continue his journey to India.
Arrest follows international search
According to investigators, Batchigari travelled from Tucson to Houston before boarding a flight to Berlin. He was arrested after arriving in Germany following coordination between US authorities and German officials.
He is currently in custody and is expected to face extradition proceedings before being returned to Arizona to face the charges.
Police have also alleged that Batchigari took Salazar’s phone and credit cards after her death and sent messages to her mother, an action investigators believe was intended to conceal what had happened.
Investigation continues
Reports say investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the death, including allegations that Salazar had planned to end her relationship with Batchigari.
The case has attracted attention in India and the United States because of its international dimensions and the suspect’s arrest thousands of kilometres from the scene of the alleged crime.
Batchigari remains an accused person, and the allegations against him have yet to be tested in court. The investigation and extradition process are continuing.