Russian National Arrested for Double Homicide in Goa

In a shocking incident in Goa, a Russian man has been arrested for the alleged murders of two Russian women. The police report details the gruesome events that unfolded over two days, leading to the discovery of the victims' bodies. As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the circumstances surrounding this tragic case. Read on for more details about the arrest and the ongoing inquiry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 17, 2026, 10:13 IST

Arrest in Goa for Double Murder of Russian Women

On January 14 and 15, authorities apprehended Alexei Leonov, a Russian national, in connection with the murders of two women from Russia in the villages of Arambol and Morjim, located in North Goa. A police official provided this information on Friday.

According to an officer from the Mandrem police station, the suspect allegedly killed his friend, Elena Vaniwa (37), by slitting her throat with a knife in her room in Morjim on January 14. The incident reportedly occurred after 11 PM, following a complaint from Vaniwa's landlady.

The following evening, on January 15, Leonov traveled eight kilometers to Arambol to meet another friend, Elena Kashtanova (37). An officer from the Morjim police stated that he bound her with a rope-like material and subsequently murdered her as well. Police have confirmed that both bodies were discovered on Friday. Leonov has been taken into custody, and an investigation into the double homicide is underway.