Goa, January 17, 2026 — In a disturbing case that has shocked residents and tourists alike in Goa, police have arrested a Russian national for the alleged murder of his live-in partner after her body was discovered in a rented room in north Goa’s Arambol area. The investigation took a far more sinister turn when the accused allegedly confessed to killing another woman and led police to a second body in nearby Morjim.

The accused, identified as 37-year-old Aleksei Leonov, was taken into custody by Goa Police in the early hours of Friday, around 4 am, following the discovery of the first victim’s body. Police officials said the case, which initially appeared to be a single incident of domestic violence, has now expanded into a suspected double murder, prompting an intensive investigation.

Gruesome Discovery in Arambol

The body of the first victim, identified as Elena Kasthanova, also 37 and a Russian citizen, was found on Thursday in a rented room in Arambol, a coastal village popular among foreign tourists and long-term visitors. The grim discovery was made by the landlord of the property, who became alarmed after noticing something amiss and entered the room.

According to police, Kasthanova was found lying lifeless with her arms tied behind her back and her throat slit, indicating a violent and premeditated attack. The condition of the body suggested that she had been wrongfully restrained before being killed.

A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said preliminary findings pointed to extreme violence. “The accused assaulted the woman he was staying with, wrongfully restrained her, caused multiple injuries, and slit her neck using a sharp weapon,” the officer said.

Live-in Relationship Under Scrutiny

Investigators confirmed that Kasthanova had been living in Goa since 2024 and was believed to be in a live-in relationship with Leonov. The couple had been staying together in the rented accommodation where the murder allegedly took place.

Police sources said that neighbours had not reported any prior complaints or disturbances involving the couple, making the incident all the more shocking. However, officers are now probing the dynamics of the relationship, including whether there were past disputes, signs of abuse, or financial or personal disagreements that may have escalated into violence.

“The nature of the injuries and the way the crime was committed suggest that this was not a spontaneous act,” an investigator said. “But at this stage, it would be premature to draw conclusions about motive.”

Arrest in Early Morning Operation

Following the discovery of the body, local police launched a search for Leonov, who was not present at the scene when the landlord found Kasthanova’s body. Acting on leads and surveillance, officers tracked him down and arrested him in the early hours of Friday.

During initial questioning, Leonov reportedly appeared evasive, but as interrogation progressed, investigators were confronted with a far more chilling revelation.

Confession Leads to Second Body

In a dramatic development, police said Leonov confessed during interrogation to killing another woman. He allegedly led investigators to the location of the second victim’s body in Morjim, a coastal area not far from Arambol.

The second victim was identified as Elena Vaneeva, also a 37-year-old Russian national. Her body was recovered based on information provided by the accused, police confirmed.

“The accused led us to the body of another woman in Morjim,” a police official said. “Both victims are foreign nationals, and both were reportedly known to the accused.”

Details surrounding the second killing remain scarce, and police have not yet disclosed the condition in which Vaneeva’s body was found or the exact circumstances of her death. Investigators said the focus is currently on securing evidence and establishing a clear timeline of events.

Motive Still Unclear

Despite the alleged confession, police said the motive behind the killings is still unknown. Officers are exploring multiple angles, including personal disputes, mental health issues, financial conflicts, and the nature of the accused’s relationships with both women.

“The investigation is at a very early stage,” a senior officer said. “We are not speculating on motive until we have thoroughly examined all evidence, including forensic reports, witness statements, and digital records.”

Authorities are also looking into whether the two victims knew each other and whether the crimes were connected by a common trigger or planned over a period of time.

Evidence Collection and Forensic Examination

Police teams are currently collecting and analysing evidence from both crime scenes. This includes the recovery of the alleged murder weapon, examination of the rented room in Arambol, and forensic analysis of the location in Morjim where the second body was found.

Both bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations to determine the exact cause and time of death. The autopsy reports are expected to play a crucial role in corroborating the accused’s statements and establishing the sequence of events.

Investigators are also examining the accused’s travel history, communication records, and financial transactions. Given that all individuals involved are foreign nationals, police are coordinating with the Russian consulate and relevant central agencies as part of standard procedure.

Charges Filed Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

Leonov has been formally booked under Section 103 (murder) and Section 126(2) (wrongful restraint) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the new criminal code that replaced the Indian Penal Code. Police said additional charges could be added as the investigation progresses, particularly if further evidence emerges in connection with the second killing.

The accused is expected to be produced before a local court, where police may seek custodial remand to continue interrogation and complete the investigation.

Shock and Concern in Tourist Belt

The case has sent shockwaves through north Goa, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Arambol and Morjim, which attract a large number of foreign visitors, long-stay tourists, and digital nomads.

Local residents expressed concern over the incident, while police reassured the public that it appeared to be an isolated case and that there was no broader threat to safety. “We are taking all necessary steps to ensure law and order,” an officer said.

As the probe continues, authorities remain tight-lipped about further details, emphasising the sensitivity of the case and the need to avoid speculation. The alleged double murder has raised troubling questions about hidden violence within personal relationships and underscores the complexities faced by law enforcement in cases involving foreign nationals.

More information is expected to emerge as forensic reports are received and the investigation advances.