Russian Murder Case In Goa: Chilling Twist As ‘Live-in Partner’ Was Not The ONLY Victim

A 37-year-old Russian national, accused of killing two women from his own country in Goa, has told police that he may have been involved in multiple murders at different locations.

Goa Police said on Saturday that two bodies have been recovered so far, and investigations are still ongoing.

The accused, Aleksei Leonov, was arrested early on Friday, just hours after the body of his suspected live-in partner was found in north Goa.

Two Russian Women Found Dead in North Goa

The first victim, Elena Kasthanova (37), was found dead with her throat slit in Arambol on Thursday night. Her landlord noticed her body around 9.15 pm and alerted the police. Neighbours reportedly heard her screams before she was attacked.

After the incident, Leonov escaped by jumping from the first floor of the building but was arrested at around 4 am on Friday.

During questioning, Leonov led police to another body in Morjim village. The victim was identified as Elena Vaneeva (37). Police believe she was killed on the night of January 14. Like the first victim, her throat had also been slit.

Claims of Another Murder Under Verification

On Saturday, the accused took police to Korgao village, where he claimed to have killed a 40-year-old woman from Assam by drugging her. Police are now checking whether this claim matches an overdose case reported on January 14 at the Pernem Community Health Centre.

A senior police officer said that the accused has claimed that the two Russian women were not the only victims. "We are verifying his statements and will proceed based on evidence," the officer said.

Police Caution Over Accused's Statements

Police have stated that Leonov's statements have been inconsistent and that he may have been under the influence of psychotropic substances. Because of this, investigators are carefully cross-checking all his claims before drawing conclusions.

So far, the police have not been able to clearly establish a motive behind all the alleged crimes. However, initial findings suggest jealousy as the possible motive in Kasthanova's case, while financial disputes may have led to Vaneeva's murder.

Accused Sent to Police Custody

Leonov has been living in the Arambol area since 2023 on a long-term visa. Separate cases have been registered against him for the murders.
Later on Saturday, a judicial magistrate first class in Pernem remanded Leonov to 14 days of police custody for the murder of the two Russian women, as investigations continue.