Russian National Arrested for Double Murder in Goa
The Goa Police made a significant arrest on Friday. They took a Russian national into custody. This man stands accused of murdering two Russian women in North Goa's Pernem taluka.
Victims Identified
Police identified the deceased women as Elena Kasthanova and Elena Vaneeva. Both women were 37 years old. They originally came from Russia.
Details of the Accused
The arrested individual is Aleksei Leonov. He entered India using a business visa. Leonov works professionally as a fire display performer. Investigators have not yet determined a clear motive for these brutal killings.
Timeline of the Crimes
According to police reports, the first murder occurred on Wednesday night. The incident happened sometime after 11 pm in Morjim. Leonov is suspected of killing Elena Vaneeva at a rented house there. He allegedly used a sharp knife to slit her neck.
The second murder took place the following day. Police found Elena Kasthanova dead at 9:15 pm on Thursday. Her body was discovered at her rented accommodation in Arambol.
Violent Attack Described in FIR
The First Information Report provides chilling details. It states that Leonov assaulted Kasthanova. He reportedly restrained her by tying her hands behind her back with a rope. This act caused multiple injuries. Leonov then allegedly used a sharp-edged weapon to slit her neck.
Arrest and Investigation
After murdering Kasthanova, Leonov attempted to flee. Police managed to apprehend him early on Friday morning. During preliminary questioning, Leonov told officers he had been friendly with both women.
Kasthanova arrived in Goa on a tourist visa on December 24. She met Leonov after her arrival. The two became acquainted and were living together in a rented house in Arambol.
An investigating officer provided a statement. The motive for both murders is not clear at the moment. The officer confirmed the modus operandi was identical in both cases. The accused killed the women by slitting their throats with a sharp-edged weapon.
Police Procedures
Authorities have registered two separate murder cases at the Mandrem police station. Kasthanova's death was reported on Thursday night. Vaneeva's body was found much later, on Friday evening. This discovery occurred more than 40 hours after she was suspected to have been murdered.
Her body was decomposed and bloated, the officer noted, describing the condition when found.
