Murder of two Elenas: Man slits throats of Russian women in Goa, says he just hated their name

• Russian man arrested in Goa for killing two Russian women named Elena.
• Police link murders to money dispute, not accused's dislike for name Elena.
• Accused's claims of more murders found false; investigation focuses on evidence

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The Russian man arrested in Goa for the alleged murder of two Russian women has told police that he has a personal dislike for women named Elena. Investigators said the man linked this feeling to his troubled childhood and his relationship with his mother, who was also named Elena. However, police have made it clear that this was not the motive behind the killings.

The accused, Alexei Leonov, is a fire display performer. He was arrested last week for allegedly killing two Russian women, Elena Kasthanova and Elena Vaneeva, both aged 37. Police say the two women were his friends and that the murders were most likely linked to a money-related dispute.

Personal animosity of the accused

During questioning, Leonov allegedly told investigators that his mother neglected him during his childhood and later years. According to police, he said this experience led him to develop a certain dislike for people named Elena, The Indian Express reported.

An investigator said this information came up during interrogation but was not connected to the motive for the murders. “It is a strange detail that gives some insight into his mental state, but it is not the reason for the crime,” the officer said.

Police have described Leonov as having “psychopathic tendencies” and said he often exaggerates or makes false claims. Officers stressed that such statements should not distract from the main investigation, which focuses on solid evidence.

The Goa police also found photos of over 100 women and two men on the accused's phone.

Police dismiss claims of more murders

Leonov has also claimed that he killed more people, including foreign nationals. However, police have said these claims are not supported by facts. Investigations into several of his statements have found them to be false or misleading.

In one case, Leonov claimed to have killed a foreign woman. Police later confirmed that while he did know her, she had left India earlier and is alive. Similar claims were checked in at least two other cases and were also found to be untrue.

“These stories are sketchy and inconsistent. It appears he is trying to mislead the investigation,” an investigator said.

Assam woman’s death not linked to murder

Leonov had also claimed responsibility for the death of a 40-year-old woman from Assam. Her death was first reported as an “unnatural death” on January 14. Leonov told police he had smothered and drugged her.

However, a police probe and postmortem report found that the woman died due to a drug overdose. There were no injuries on her body to suggest violence or smothering. Police confirmed that Leonov had met her a few days before her death, but it is still unclear whether the drugs were given to her by someone else or taken by her on her own.

Details of the two murders in Goa

Elena Kasthanova worked as a go-go dancer and also ushered at weddings. She arrived in Goa on December 24. Her body was found in Arambol last Thursday. Police allege that Leonov tied her hands behind her back with a rope and slit her throat using a sharp weapon.

Elena Vaneeva was a bubble performer and artist who had recently come to Goa. She became acquainted with Leonov after arriving in the state. According to police, she was killed last Wednesday in Morjim, also by having her throat slit with a sharp knife.

Investigators said there may have been tension between Leonov and one of the women over a crown used in fire performances, which belonged to him and was allegedly not returned. Police believe this dispute, along with financial issues, may have played a role in the crimes.

The investigation is ongoing, and police say they are focusing only on evidence-backed facts.