A 37-year-old Russian national, Aleksei Leonov, has been arrested by Goa police in connection with the alleged murder of two Russian women in the coastal state. The incident came to light early Friday, January 17, 2026, after the body of Elena Kasthanova, also 37, believed to be Leonov's live-in partner, was discovered at their rented accommodation in Arambol. Her hands were reportedly tied behind her back, and her throat slit. During interrogation, Leonov reportedly led police to a second victim, Elena Vaneeva, 37, whose body was found in a partially decomposed state in neighboring Morjim. Vaneeva was described as a mutual friend of the accused and Kasthanova. Initial reports suggest Vaneeva was killed around January 14-15. Both murders involved the victims' throats being slit with a sharp weapon, indicating a similar modus operandi. Goa police arrested Leonov in the early hours of Friday. The accused had allegedly fled the scene after Kasthanova's murder but was later apprehended. Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind these gruesome killings. This shocking double murder has garnered significant attention in India, particularly given the large number of Russian tourists frequenting Goa.