Goa, Jan 19: A murder investigation in Goa has taken a disturbing twist after Russian tourist Alexey (Aleksei) Leonov, 37, confessed to police that he may have killed as many as five people.

Leonov was first taken into custody following the discovery of his live-in partner, Elena Kastanova, 37, in her rented accommodation at Arambol, North Goa. The landlord found her lifeless body with her hands bound behind her back and her throat slit. Investigators believe the crime occurred on the night of January 14.

What began as a single homicide case has now widened in scope, with Leonov’s chilling admission raising fears of multiple victims. Authorities are probing his claims as the investigation continues to unfold.

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During interrogation Leonov told the police he had killed another woman. Police then found the body of 37-year-old Elena Vaneeva in Morjim village. She was also believed to have been killed by Leonov.

Further investigation led to another disturbing revelation. Leonov claimed that the two women found dead were not the only victims. “He has stated that the two women who were found dead were not the only ones he had killed. We are verifying his claims and will act based on the evidence we find,” a Goa police officer told a renowned national media outlet.

Police suspect that Leonov may have killed up to five people in Goa, including a 40-year-old woman from Assam.

According to police, Leonov was friends with the women and at times lived with them. While money disputes and personal conflicts are suspected to be the motive behind the confirmed murders, investigators are still examining all aspects of the case.

Leonov is now in police custody; however, the Goa Police remain sceptical of his statements and believe that Leonov may also be under the influence of “psychotropic substances”.

Compiled by: Aditi Majhi