Panaji: The investigation into the shocking murders of two Russian women in Goa has taken a startling turn after the accused, 37-year-old Russian national Aleksei Leonov, reportedly confessed to multiple killings across various locations, including the coastal state of Goa. Authorities revealed on Saturday that while two victims have been confirmed, Leonov’s statements suggest the possibility of additional murders, prompting a wider probe.

Leonov, who had been residing in Goa on a long-term visa since 2023, was apprehended in the early hours of Friday, hours after the body of his suspected live-in partner, Elena Kasthanova, 37, was discovered in Arambol, north Goa. Kasthanova was found with her throat slit in the room she had rented, prompting immediate police action. The discovery of her body was made by her landlord at approximately 9:15 pm on Thursday evening. Neighbours reported having heard her screams before rushing to her aid, while Leonov reportedly fled the scene by jumping from the first floor of the building, only to be arrested hours later at 4 am on Friday.

Following his arrest, Leonov led the police to the body of another Russian woman, Elena Vaneeva, also 37, in Morjim village. Preliminary police investigations indicate that Vaneeva was killed on the night of January 14. Authorities have also linked Leonov to the death of a 40-year-old woman from Assam in Korgao village, whom he allegedly drugged before killing. Police are currently verifying whether this woman corresponds to a suspected overdose case reported at the Pernem Community Health Centre on January 14 and whether Leonov was indeed responsible.

A Goa police officer familiar with the investigation said, “During interrogation, he stated that the two women who were found dead were not the only ones he had killed. We are in the process of verifying his claims and will act based on the evidence we uncover.”

However, authorities have cautioned that Leonov’s statements remain inconsistent. “The accused is changing his statements, and we are yet to conclusively establish a motive. He is also believed to be under the influence of psychotropic substances, so all his claims need careful verification,” the officer added.

Police Actions and Custodial Remand

On Saturday, a judicial magistrate of first class at Pernem remanded Leonov in 14-day police custody in connection with the murders of the two Russian women. Police have registered separate cases against him, including investigation into the suspected Assam woman’s death.

Investigators are looking into the possible motives behind the killings. Preliminary findings suggest that jealousy may have played a role in Kasthanova’s murder, while a financial dispute may have motivated the killing of Vaneeva. Despite these initial leads, authorities have emphasized that they are yet to conclusively establish the broader motive behind Leonov’s actions.

“The investigative team is focusing on piecing together the chain of events leading up to each murder,” said a senior Goa police official. “This includes analyzing his financial transactions, personal relationships, and interactions with the victims, as well as corroborating witness accounts and forensic evidence.”

Chronology of Events

According to police sources, Leonov’s violent spree began at his residence in Arambol, where he had been living on a long-term visa since 2023. Kasthanova, reportedly his live-in partner, was allegedly killed out of jealousy. Neighbours reported hearing screams around 9 pm, indicating a violent confrontation. Leonov then fled by jumping from the first floor. The rapid action by the police led to his arrest by 4 am, preventing any potential escape.

Shortly after his arrest, Leonov directed police to the location of Vaneeva’s body in Morjim village. Vaneeva, also a Russian national, is believed to have been killed on the night of January 14. Authorities are continuing to investigate potential links between Vaneeva’s death and financial disputes with Leonov.

The case took a further twist when Leonov reportedly led police to Korgao village, claiming to have killed a 40-year-old woman from Assam by drugging her. The Goa police are currently verifying these claims against reported cases of overdose in the area, including one reported on January 14 at the Pernem Community Health Centre.

Psychological Profile and Background

Officials have indicated that Leonov may have been using psychotropic substances, which could have influenced his behaviour and the inconsistency of his statements during interrogation. “The accused’s mental state and possible substance use are being carefully examined,” said a police spokesperson. “This will help in understanding his motives and the extent of premeditation in these killings.”

Leonov has reportedly been living in Goa for over two years and was known in the local community. Authorities are reviewing his residence, financial transactions, social connections, and digital footprints to determine if there are additional victims. Police are also coordinating with international agencies to investigate any previous criminal history abroad.

Public Reaction and Safety Concerns

The gruesome nature of the killings has shocked residents and tourists in Goa, a state known for its tourism and relatively low incidence of violent crime. Authorities have issued advisories to the local population, urging caution and vigilance, particularly for foreign nationals and women residing in the area.

While the Russian expatriate community has expressed concern over the safety of nationals in the state, local police have assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent further incidents. “We are treating this as an isolated case for now, but we are maintaining heightened surveillance and patrolling in areas frequented by tourists and foreign residents,” said a senior official.

Investigation Ongoing

Goa police have emphasized that the case remains under active investigation. Each of Leonov’s statements is being meticulously verified, and forensic teams are analyzing evidence collected from crime scenes, including DNA, fingerprints, and other material evidence. Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage in the relevant areas to corroborate the timeline of events and Leonov’s movements.

Officials have stated that while Leonov’s confession to multiple murders is alarming, law enforcement agencies are prioritizing evidence-based verification. “We cannot rely solely on his statements,” said a police officer. “Our team is cross-verifying each claim, coordinating with forensic labs, and ensuring that the investigation adheres to legal procedures and international protocols, given the foreign nationality of some victims.”

Conclusion

The case has drawn widespread attention due to its shocking nature, the involvement of foreign nationals, and the possibility of multiple murders. With Aleksei Leonov in police custody, authorities are racing to verify his claims and prevent any further incidents. The investigation in Goa has now expanded to multiple locations, involving collaboration between local police, forensic experts, and potentially international agencies.

While the confirmed victims so far include two Russian women, authorities have warned that the full extent of Leonov’s crimes may not yet be known. Public safety advisories remain in place, and police have assured residents and tourists that all possible measures are being taken to ensure security in the region.

As Goa grapples with the disturbing revelations, the case underscores the importance of vigilant policing, rapid investigative response, and careful monitoring of foreign nationals living in isolated or tourist-heavy areas. The coming days are likely to reveal further details as the investigation into Leonov’s claims continues and authorities work to uncover the full scope of his alleged crimes.

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