A disturbing crime in Goa has shone a spotlight on Alexei Leonov, a 37‑year‑old Russian national arrested in connection with the brutal killings of two Russian women in North Goa. As investigators dig deeper, they are also examining his possible involvement in other deaths, including that of an Indian woman, raising questions about his past and actions while living in India.
Who is Alexei Leonov?
Leonov is a Russian national who has been residing in India since 2023, according to police. Reports indicate he worked as a fire display performer, a craft that often draws crowds at festivals and events. Over the past three years, he appears to have lived in multiple states, including Goa and Himachal Pradesh, but officials are now verifying his background to see whether he has any prior criminal history.
Investigators describe Leonov as having been close to both victims, with preliminary indications that a monetary dispute may have fuelled at least some of the violence. The murder weapon has been recovered by police, and both embassies of the deceased woman have been informed, following standard procedures for crimes involving foreign nationals in India.
What Led to Leonov’s Arrest?
Goa police arrested Alexei Leonov early on Friday after discovering the body of his live‑in partner, 37‑year‑old Elena Kasthanova, in a rented room in Arambol. According to the police, her throat was slit, and her hands were tied behind her back, a pattern echoing a suspicious death in nearby Morjim village the night before. Leonov fled the scene by jumping from a balcony but was apprehended soon after.
Police later located the body of Elena Vaneeva, another 37‑year‑old Russian woman and a mutual friend of the accused and Kasthanova, in Morjim. Authorities believe she was killed on the night of January 14, similarly, prompting dual murder cases.
Police Probe Possible Additional Victims
In an unexpected twist, investigators say Leonov claimed to have killed more than the two Russian women, including a 40‑year‑old Indian woman from Assam. During interrogation, he allegedly told officers that he drugged her to death in a case first reported as an “unnatural death” on January 14 at a community health centre.
However, police stress that these claims are yet to be confirmed through post‑mortem examinations and supporting evidence. They are also wary because Leonov has changed his statements several times and may have been under the influence of drugs.
Authorities have remanded Leonov in 14‑day police custody as they continue to investigate the full scope of his alleged crimes and whether all his claims can be substantiated.
Goa Double Murder: Neighbors and Crime Scene Details
Neighbours reported hearing screams from the rented room where Leonov and Kasthanova lived, which prompted the landlord to alert the police.
Upon arrival, officers found Kasthanova’s body and pursued Leonov as he attempted to flee by jumping out of the first‑floor window. Police say the modus operandi, slitting the victims’ throats with a sharp weapon, was consistent in both Russian deaths.
What Happens Next in the Goa Double Murder Case?
As investigators dig deeper, they are liaising with authorities in other states where Leonov lived to ascertain any earlier suspicious incidents or criminal activity. The Goa Police will also await post‑mortem reports and further forensic analysis before confirming any additional charges.
The case has raised concerns about safety and crime involving foreign nationals in Goa, a popular tourist destination. Police reassure that they are working methodically to establish all the facts and ensure justice.
