Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jan 18: A shocking twist has emerged in the Goa murder case involving a Russian national, after the accused allegedly confessed to additional killings, prompting police to widen the scope of the investigation.
Police said 37-year-old Aleksei Leonov was arrested early Friday following the recovery of the body of his suspected live-in partner, Elena Kasthanova (37), whose throat was slit at a rented accommodation in Arambol in north Goa. During interrogation, Leonov’s disclosures led investigators to another body, that of Elena Vaneeva (37), found in Morjim village. Police believe Vaneeva was killed on the night of January 14.
On Saturday, Leonov further claimed that he had killed a 40-year-old woman from Assam by drugging her and took police to Korgao village. Officials said they are verifying whether his claim is linked to a suspected overdose case reported on January 14 at the Pernem Community Health Centre and whether Leonov was involved in that death.
“During interrogation, the accused stated that the two women found dead were not the only victims. We are verifying his claims and will proceed strictly based on evidence,” a senior police officer said. The officer added that Leonov has been changing his statements and is suspected to be under the influence of psychotropic substances, making verification crucial. The motive behind the alleged crimes is yet to be conclusively established.
Later in the day, a Judicial Magistrate First Class in Pernem remanded Leonov to 14 days of police custody in connection with the murders of the two Russian women.
Police said both Kasthanova and Vaneeva were found with their throats slit. Kasthanova’s body was discovered by the landlord at around 9.15 pm on Thursday after neighbours heard her screams and rushed to help. Leonov allegedly fled the scene by jumping from the first floor and was arrested around 4 am on Friday.
Leonov has been residing in the Arambol area on a long-term visa since 2023. Preliminary investigations suggest jealousy as the motive in Kasthanova’s murder, while a financial dispute is believed to have led to Vaneeva’s killing, police said.c