An Indian national accused of killing his 19-year-old girlfriend in Tucson entered the United States on an F-1 student visa and remained in lawful immigration status at the time of the alleged killing, federal law enforcement sources told Fox News.
Fox News reported Varun Batchigari, 20, arrived at Los Angeles International Airport Jan. 8, 2024. Tucson police obtained a warrant charging him with first-degree murder and kidnapping in the death of Julissa Rubi Salazar, found Aug. 6 in a Tucson apartment.
Salazar’s family requested a welfare check after receiving unusual messages. A felony warrant reviewed by KOLD alleges Batchigari strangled Salazar, stole her cellphone and bank cards, used a card to get to Tucson International Airport and texted her mother while posing as Salazar. He then flew through Houston to Germany, intending to continue to India, investigators said.
Police said German authorities arrested Batchigari through coordination with Tucson police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Tucson office and its legal attaché in Berlin. He awaits extradition to Arizona.
The warrant describes warning signs before Salazar’s death. A roommate said she planned to end the relationship and feared Batchigari because of alleged prior violence. Another reported hearing screaming from Salazar’s room the previous night. A witness told investigators Batchigari had been expelled from the University of Arizona after a fight, although the university has not publicly confirmed that account.
Department of Homeland Security guidance says F-1 students must remain enrolled in a full course of study to maintain status. Fox said federal records still listed Batchigari in lawful status despite the reported expulsion; the reason remains unclear.
A family fundraiser says Salazar leaves behind her parents and two younger sisters. Batchigari has not entered a plea in Arizona. The charges and allegations remain unproven, and he is presumed innocent unless convicted.
