Russian National Arrested for Double Murder of Friends in Goa

New Delhi, january 17, 2026: In a shocking development that has sent ripples of fear through the coastal state of Goa, a 37-year-old Russian national has been arrested for the gruesome double murder of two female compatriots. The victims, identified as Elena Vaneeva and Elena Kasthanova, both 37, were found dead in separate incidents across North Goa’s popular tourist belt.

The Goa Police have apprehended the suspect, Aleksei Leonov, a fire display performer who was reportedly in India on a business visa.

The Timeline of Terror

The investigation suggests a calculated and brutal sequence of events occurring over a span of 48 hours in the Pernem taluka.

The First Victim: Morjim

The violence began on the night of Wednesday, January 14, 2026. According to police reports, Leonov visited Elena Vaneeva at her rented accommodation in Morjim. Following an argument, the suspect allegedly used a sharp knife to slit her throat. The crime remained undiscovered for nearly two days, during which time the body began to decompose.

The Second Victim: Arambol

The following evening, Thursday, January 15, Leonov reportedly traveled approximately eight kilometers to Arambol to meet Elena Kasthanova, with whom he was reportedly living. Neighbors reported hearing a violent altercation. A witness living in an adjacent room informed the police that she tried to intervene, but the situation escalated rapidly.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), Leonov allegedly restrained Kasthanova by tying her hands behind her back with a rope before slitting her neck. As witnesses approached the room, Leonov reportedly leaped from a first-floor balcony and fled into the night.

Investigation and Arrest

The Mandrem and Morjim police stations launched a massive manhunt following the discovery of Kasthanova’s body on Thursday night. Leonov was successfully tracked down and taken into custody early Friday morning, January 16. It was during preliminary questioning that the police uncovered the second murder—that of Vaneeva—whose body was recovered shortly thereafter.

Key investigation details include:

• Modus Operandi: Both women were killed using the same method—slitting of the throat with a sharp weapon.
• Motive: While the suspect admitted to being “friendly” with both victims, a clear motive for the double homicide has not yet been established.
• Decomposition: Due to the time elapsed, Vaneeva’s body was found in a bloated and decomposed state, suggesting she was killed at least 40 hours before discovery.

Impact on the Local Community

The incident has cast a shadow over North Goa, particularly in the villages of Arambol and Morjim, which are known as hubs for the international expatriate community. Local residents and tourists have expressed deep concern over the safety of the region.

The Goa Police are currently examining Leonov’s background to determine if he has links to any criminal syndicates or if the murders were the result of a personal fallout. They are also coordinating with the Russian Consulate to facilitate the repatriation of the victims’ remains.