Indian National Charged with Murder of University Student

An Indian national holding an F-1 student visa is facing charges for the murder of Julissa Salazar, a 19-year-old student at the University of Arizona. Authorities indicate that Salazar had been enduring domestic violence and was attempting to end her relationship with the accused.

Reportedly, Varun Batchigari, the 20-year-old man charged, entered the United States on January 8, 2024, on a student visa to study at the University of Arizona.

The FBI has stated that Batchigari allegedly strangled Salazar in an off-campus apartment. Following the incident, he purportedly took her phone and credit card and sent messages to her mother while pretending to be Salazar.

Salazar’s body was discovered by authorities after her mother alerted them about unusual texts coming from her daughter’s phone.

In memory of Salazar, her family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses. They remember her as a “beautiful 19-year-old daughter, sister, friend, and beloved family member.”

The fundraiser notes, “She leaves behind her parents and two younger sisters who love and miss her more than words can describe.”

Following the alleged murder, Batchigari attempted to return to India, flying from Houston but having a layover in Germany, where FBI agents intercepted him at the airport.

Authorities suggest that prior to Salazar’s death, Batchigari was under scrutiny for multiple domestic violence accusations and had previously faced assault charges from the University of Arizona Police Department.

Additionally, another young woman accused him of sexual assault during a Halloween event, although she did not report it at the time. Reports indicate that Batchigari was expelled from the University of Arizona after a dispute, despite still holding a student visa.

Currently, Batchigari is in federal custody, awaiting indictment for murder.