Women Found Dead Not the Only Victims’: Russian National’s Confession Shakes Goa
Panaji: A chilling twist has emerged in the Goa murder probe after a 37-year-old Russian national allegedly confessed to several killings across different locations, including Goa. Police said Aleksei Leonov admitted that the two women found dead were not his only victims. Officers have expanded the investigation and are checking whether his claims link to other suspicious deaths reported in recent weeks.
Arrest After Arambol Murder, Second Body Found in Morjim
Police arrested Leonov early on Friday, hours after they found the body of his suspected live-in partner, Elena Kasthanova (37), in Arambol. Her throat had been slit. Neighbours heard her screams late on Thursday and alerted the landlord. He discovered the body around 9.15 pm. During questioning, Leonov led investigators to Morjim village. Police recovered the body of another Russian woman, Elena Vaneeva (37), from the area. Investigators believe the killing took place on January 14. Both women suffered similar fatal injuries.
Assam Woman Death Claim Under Police Verification
On Saturday, Leonov took police to Korgao village. He claimed that he killed a 40-year-old woman from Assam by drugging her. Investigators are checking whether this statement links to an overdose case reported on January 14. The case was recorded at the Pernem Community Health Centre. A senior officer said Leonov keeps changing his version during interrogation. Police also suspect he may be under the influence of psychotropic substances.
Custody, Motive and Wider Probe
A judicial magistrate first class at Pernem remanded Leonov to 14 days of police custody. The order relates to the murders of the two Russian women. Police said Leonov fled the Arambol crime scene by jumping from the first floor. Officers arrested him around 4 am on Friday. Leonov has lived in the Arambol area on a long-term visa since 2023. Investigators suspect jealousy as the motive in Kasthanova’s murder. They also point to a financial dispute in Vaneeva’s case. Police have registered separate cases and continue to probe the possibility of more victims.
