The arrest of a 37-year-old Russian man, Alexei Leonov, for the alleged murder of two Russian women - his live-in partner and her friend - turns murkier after police suspect he is involved in the murder of an Indian woman too.
Leonov was arrested on Friday after the body of his live-in partner, 37-year-old Elena Kasthanova, was found in their rented room in Arambol, North Goa. The woman's throat had been slit and her hands were tied behind her back with a rope. He then allegedly slit her neck with a sharp-edged weapon, the FIR states.
During interrogation, Leonov revealed that he was behind the murder of another Russian woman, Elena Vaneeva.
The Goa Police said Vaneeva was a mutual friend of the accused and Kasthanova and was found dead recently in Morjim village. They believe Vaneeva was murdered on the night of January 14 and that both murders followed a similar pattern: strangulation with their hands tied behind their back.
Now, the investigation officials are investigating Leonov’s role in several other murders, including that of a 40-year-old woman from Assam. He told the police that he drugged her to death. The third case is yet to be confirmed through postmortem examination and evidence. The accused repeatedly changes his statements, prompting the officials to suspect that he could be under the influence of drugs. They are not ready to confirm the veracity of all claims for the same reason.
Leonov’s arrest
The Russian national’s crime came to light after neighbors reported hearing screams from the rented place where Leonov stayed with Kasthanova. They alerted the landlord and the police. After the police arrived, Leonov jumped from the first floor in a bid to flee. But he was arrested soon. Authorities are now examining Leonov’s background and whether he has a criminal background.
Leonov is a fire display performer who has been staying in India since 2023, while Kasthanova worked as a go-go dancer and usher at weddings in Goa. She arrived recently on December 24.
“During thorough and sustained interrogation, the accused admitted to his involvement in both murder cases. Further investigation revealed that the accused was a close friend of both victims and the motive behind the crimes was a monetary dispute amongst them,” The Indian Express quoted investigating officials.