Team Goemkarponn
MANDREM: Investigators in Goa are widening the scope of their inquiry into the killing of two Russian nationals, examining possible connections within the State’s event and entertainment ecosystem as they piece together the sequence of events that led to the murders.
Police officials said the accused, Alexei Leonov, and the two victims — Elena Kasthanova and Elena Vaneeva — appear to have intersected professionally through performance-based engagements linked to weddings and private events. Law enforcement agencies are now tracking contacts with event planners, venue managers and individuals who may have hired them for performances.
Senior officers said the investigation is focused on reconstructing travel patterns, social interactions and professional associations to identify inconsistencies and potential triggers behind the crime. Police are also examining whether the trio was engaged independently or through intermediaries.
Leonov, who has been residing in India for the past two years, has allegedly admitted to killing both women. However, officials stressed that his statements are being treated cautiously due to repeated contradictions during questioning. While he has cited financial disagreements as the motive, police believe the circumstances surrounding the killings may involve deeper personal dynamics.
Sources said behavioural observations during interrogation have raised concerns about Leonov’s psychological profile. He allegedly told investigators that he targeted foreign nationals, largely fellow Russians, after gaining their trust. Officers said he described violent methods used in the killings, details that are currently being corroborated with forensic and circumstantial evidence.
Investigators were further alarmed after Leonov reportedly claimed involvement in an additional killing outside Goa. Police clarified that no corroborative evidence has been found to support this claim and that no missing persons matching the description have been identified so far.
In a formal briefing issued earlier, Goa Police confirmed that Leonov had admitted to the murders of Kasthanova and Vaneeva, stating that money-related disputes were a contributing factor. Officials, however, indicated that the financial angle alone may not fully explain the brutality of the crimes.
According to police, Leonov has claimed he was in personal relationships with both women and had lived with them at different times. These assertions are being independently verified through witness statements and digital evidence.
Kasthanova, who worked as a dancer and event usher, arrived in Goa in late December 2025. Her body was discovered on January 15 at a rented house in Arambol. Police allege she was assaulted, restrained and killed with a sharp-edged weapon.
Vaneeva, a performance artist specialising in bubble acts, had arrived in Goa only days before her death. Police said she met Leonov shortly after arriving and was allegedly killed on January 14 at her rented accommodation in Morjim in a similar manner.
Police said residents near Kasthanova’s residence alerted authorities after hearing distress calls from the premises. On reaching the spot, officers reportedly intercepted Leonov as he attempted to flee.
Investigators have also found that Leonov earned income as a fire performance artist and travelled frequently across India, particularly between Goa and Himachal Pradesh. Police are now verifying his travel history and background to determine whether he has any previous criminal involvement.
“The accused’s movements, finances, relationships and mental state are all under scrutiny. This is a complex case with multiple layers, and no aspect is being ruled out,” a senior officer said.
