Russian man in Goa confesses to multiple murders, police say
Russian man in Goa confesses to multiple murders, police say
A 37-year-old Russian national in Goa allegedly admits killings across several locations, as investigators uncover more victims.
Panaji: A 37-year-old Russian national, Aleksei Leonov, who was arrested early Friday after the body of his suspected live-in partner was found in north Goa's Arambol, has confessed to multiple murders across various locations, including Goa, police said on Saturday. The two women found dead so far have been identified as Elena Kasthanova and Elena Vaneeva. Kasthanova, 37, was discovered with her throat slit in a room she had rented in Arambol; neighbors had heard her screams and alerted authorities as Leonov fled the scene. He was arrested at 4 am on Friday. During interrogation, he led police to the body of Elena Vaneeva, 37, in Morjim village and said she was killed on the night of January 14.
On Saturday, Leonov led investigators to Korgao village where he claimed to have killed a 40-year-old woman from Assam by drugging her. Police are currently verifying if this aligns with a suspected overdose case reported on January 14 at the Pernem Community Health Centre and whether Leonov indeed killed the woman. An official noted that the accused’s statements have varied and are being corroborated, as he is believed to be under the influence of psychotropic substances.
Judicial authorities on Saturday remanded Leonov in 14-day police custody for the murders of the two Russian women. Leonov has been residing in the Arambol area on a long-term visa since 2023, and his case has shocked a region that thrives on tourism and international visitors. Authorities emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that the motive remains unclear while they sort through his claims and the available physical evidence.
