Russian National's Shocking Murder Claims: Goa Police Investigation Reveals Truth
In a startling development from Panaji, a 37-year-old Russian national named Alexei Leonov has been arrested for the brutal double murder of two Russian women. During interrogation, Leonov made sensational claims of having allegedly killed a total of 19 Russian women across various locations in India, including Goa, Delhi, and Uttarakhand.
Police Verification Exaggerates Most Claims
Goa Inspector General of Police K R Chaurasia provided crucial insights into the investigation, stating that police teams thoroughly verified Leonov's dramatic assertions. Except for one case where Leonov was found to know the deceased woman, all other alleged victims were either confirmed to be alive or had left the country entirely.
"Leonov claimed that he was involved in the killing of 19 women to create a sensation. He has a psychological issue. After verifying we found that he was involved in only two murders and those murders are confirmed," Chaurasia explained to media outlets, adding that police continue to examine his statements carefully.
Background of the Accused and Specific Goa Claims
The accused Russian national had been residing in India for nearly three years, during which he presented himself as a software engineer. His varied activities included:
- Working at a therapy center periodically
- Performing dance with a Russian cultural group
- Undertaking computer-related freelance work
Regarding his specific claims about Goa, Leonov asserted that eight women were killed in the coastal state. The IGP noted that most were Russians who had been in India, and Leonov knew their names through community connections.
Detailed Examination of Alleged Goa Cases
Police investigation revealed important details about the alleged Goa murders:
- Pernem Case: One woman was found dead last month in Pernem, initially registered as an unnatural death. The postmortem report indicated a drug overdose as the cause. Investigators discovered a connection between Leonov and the deceased, with photographic evidence showing they met a day before her death. This case remains under active investigation.
- Breathing Problem Case: Another woman reportedly died due to respiratory issues. An eyewitness confirmed she had breathing problems and passed away while being transported to hospital. Police found no evidence linking Leonov to this incident.
- Three Other Claims: In three additional instances, the women had left India entirely. When Goa police contacted them abroad, they were confirmed to be alive and well.
Origin of the Investigation
The case originated when Goa police arrested Leonov following the murder of two Russian women in the coastal areas of Pernem taluka. The investigation began after authorities discovered the body of 37-year-old Elena Kasthanova, Leonov's friend, in their rented accommodation in Arambol.
During the investigation into Kasthanova's murder, police uncovered that another Russian woman, Elina Vaneeva, had also been killed. Vaneeva was identified as a mutual friend of both Leonov and Kasthanova, establishing connections between the victims and the accused.
Ongoing Police Efforts
Goa police have formed multiple specialized teams to systematically verify all aspects of Leonov's claims. The investigation continues as authorities work to separate factual evidence from sensational claims, while ensuring proper justice for the confirmed murder victims.
