Russian National Remanded in Custody for Double Murder of Two Women in Goa
A 37-year-old Russian national, Alexei Leonov, now faces 14 days in police custody. Mandrem police arrested him for the alleged double murder of two female compatriots in Goa. The court granted the remand following a dramatic chase at Arambol.
Police Investigate Possible Past Criminal Activities
Officials confirm that Leonov has lived in India for the past three years. Police are currently verifying whether he engaged in any other criminal activities during this period. They plan to contact counterparts in other states where Leonov resided, including Himachal Pradesh, to gather more information.
Sources indicate that Leonov spent time across Goa and Himachal Pradesh. This cross-state verification aims to build a comprehensive profile of his activities in India.
Motive and Details of the Murders
Police state that Leonov was a close friend of both victims. The motive behind the brutal crime appears to stem from a monetary dispute. The investigation began after the discovery of the first victim.
On Friday, a woman's body was found in a partially decomposed state in a rented premises at Arambol. Her family in Russia grew concerned when she stopped answering calls from her young daughter. This victim was identified as Elena Kasthanova, Leonov's live-in partner.
A neighbour witnessed Leonov jumping from a first-floor balcony to escape the scene. This immediate discovery led police to Kasthanova's murder. During the investigation, authorities uncovered that another Russian woman, Elina Vaneeva, was also a victim. Vaneeva was a mutual friend of Leonov and Kasthanova.
Police provide specific arrival details. Kasthanova, 37, came to Goa on December 24. Elina Vaneeva, also 37, arrived in Goa on December 10.
Evidence Recovery and Embassy Notifications
Investigators have recovered the weapon used in the commission of the offences. This recovery provides crucial evidentiary support for the cases. The weapon will play a key role in the ongoing legal proceedings.
Since both victims are foreign nationals, the concerned embassy has been informed. Police followed established procedures for such notifications. Postmortem examinations are currently awaited. These examinations are subject to necessary embassy approvals before they can proceed.
The case continues to develop as police delve deeper into Leonov's background and the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.
