Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jan 17: A 37-year-old Russian national, Aleksei Leonov, was taken into custody early Friday following the discovery of a woman’s body in Arambol, North Goa. Police confirmed that Leonov has also confessed to killing a second woman, and investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the killings.

The first victim, Elena Kasthanova (37), was found by her landlord on Thursday in the rented room she shared with Leonov. Police said her arms were tied behind her back and her throat had been slit. The discovery prompted immediate police action, leading to Leonov’s arrest at around 4 a.m.

During interrogation, Leonov led authorities to the body of a second woman, Elena Vaneeva (37), in nearby Morjim. Police have not disclosed the relationship between Leonov and Vaneeva but confirmed his admission to her killing. The motive for both murders remains unclear, with officials describing the investigation as in its preliminary stages.

A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The accused assaulted his friend with whom he was staying, wrongfully restrained her, caused multiple injuries, and slit her neck with a sharp weapon.” Both bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and the murder weapon is being examined.

Leonov has been charged under Sections 103 (murder) and 126(2) (wrongful restraint) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities are gathering forensic and witness evidence to establish the full circumstances of the crimes.

Kasthanova had been residing in Goa since 2024 and was reportedly in a live-in relationship with Leonov. Local police have urged the public to remain calm, emphasizing that no further threats have been reported.

The case has raised concerns about safety in rented accommodations and underscores the importance of rapid law enforcement response in violent crimes. Investigators continue to probe the sequence of events, relationships, and possible motives behind the double murder.