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Student Flees US Murder, Nabbed in Germany
10 Aug
Summary
- An Indian student is accused of murdering his girlfriend in the US.
- He was arrested in Germany while attempting to fly to India.
- Investigators allege he sent fake texts to hide the crime.
A 20-year-old Indian student, Varun Batchigari, has been arrested in Germany as he attempted to flee the United States following the alleged murder of his girlfriend. Batchigari, a University of Arizona student, is accused of killing 19-year-old Julissa Rubi Salazar at her apartment on August 6.
Authorities state that after the alleged homicide, Batchigari traveled to Tucson International Airport and boarded a flight to Germany, intending to continue to India. Through international cooperation between law enforcement agencies, he was detained upon arrival in Germany, preventing his escape.
Investigators allege that Batchigari sent text messages to Salazar's mother, impersonating her daughter, in an apparent effort to conceal the crime. These messages prompted a welfare check, leading to the discovery of Salazar's body. Tucson Fire Department found her deceased with signs of strangulation.
The arrest warrant includes allegations of prior domestic violence and assault by Batchigari. Witnesses reported that Salazar had recently moved out due to issues with him and planned to end their relationship. An unrelated prior assault case from May is also noted.
