The accused, identified as Aleksei Leonov, a Russian national, has been arrested in connection with both cases.
In the first case, registered as Crime No. 05/2026 at 2.04 am on January 16, the complaint was filed by Uttam Naik (73), a resident of Bamanbhati, Arambol. According to police, the incident occurred on January 15 at around 9.15 pm in Room No. 3 on the first floor of Naik’s house, where the accused and the victim were residing on rent. Leonov allegedly assaulted his friend, Elena Kasthanova (37), a Russian national, following a dispute over money. Police said the accused wrongfully restrained her and attacked her with a sharp weapon, inflicting multiple injuries, including to the neck, resulting in her death. The offence has been registered under Sections 126(2) and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Leonov was arrested at 10.03 am on January 16. The investigation is being carried out by PI Girendre J. Naik of Mandrem police station.
In the second case, registered as Crime No. 06/2026 at 7.26 pm on January 16, the complaint was lodged by Maria Fernandes (55), a resident of Madhlowado, Morjim. As per the complaint, the incident took place on January 14 at around 11 pm at Fernandes’ residence, where the accused and another Russian national, Elena Vaneeva (37), were staying in a rented room. Police said Leonov assaulted Vaneeva following a money dispute, causing multiple injuries to her body and neck with a sharp object, leading to her death. The offence has been registered under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police said the accused has confessed to committing both murders and has been placed under arrest in both cases. Further investigation is underway under the supervision of the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Pernem.