Wannabe Charles Sobhraj in Goa? Russian Man Held for Double Murder, Phone Had Photos of 100 Women

Fresh details have emerged in the chilling double murder case involving a Russian national in Goa, shedding light on the accused's possible motives, mental state, and past behaviour.

Senior police sources say Aleksei Leonov allegedly killed two Russian women he knew following disputes over borrowed money and a fire dancing prop. The investigation is ongoing, with police also probing whether the accused may be linked to another woman's death earlier this month, according to NDTV.

Borrowed Money and 'Rubber Crown' Sparked Violence

The victims have been identified as Elena Vaneeva and Elena Kasthanova, both Russian nationals and friends of the accused. Police sources revealed that Kasthanova, a fire dancer, had borrowed money and a fire crown from Aleksei. The crown is described as a rubber device used by fire dancers to hold flames on their head. Aleksei himself worked as a firework artist.

Sources said the second victim, Elena Vaneeva, had also borrowed money from Aleksei. When neither of the women returned what they owed, the accused allegedly became enraged. Police believe he slit their throats on two separate days, January 14 and January 15, inside their rooms.

Investigators have described the murders as "not pre-planned" but "triggered murders", adding that Aleksei was "overly obsessed" and could get triggered easily.

Police Probe Drug Use and Mental Health Claims

Goa Police are examining whether Aleksei was under the influence of drugs at the time of the killings. Sources said the accused is "mentally ill" and has a long history of drug use.

During questioning, Aleksei reportedly made startling claims, telling police that he had killed five other people following disputes. However, after verification, officers confirmed that all five individuals named by him are alive.

Police also recovered the accused's mobile phone, which contained photos of more than 100 women and two men. Officers noted that Aleksei would get irritated with people easily but could also befriend them quickly. In the past, he had been involved in assault incidents with some men in Goa, though no formal cases were registered.

Victims' Background and Accused's Life in India

Elena Vaneeva, a bubble artist, had arrived in Goa on January 10. Kasthanova had been in the state since December 25 and was living with Aleksei at the time of her death. Police said the trio frequently travelled across India for work and often visited Goa.

Aleksei held a long-term visa for India and had lived in several cities over the years. Sources said he survived on odd jobs, travelled extensively during the day, and had not worked for nearly a month before the killings.

Possible Link to Assam Woman's Death Under Scanner

Police are also investigating a possible link between Aleksei and the death of a third woman, Mridusmita Sainkia from Assam. She was found dead in her Goa residence on January 12.

Sources said Sainkia and Aleksei had known each other for a long time and had travelled to Goa together on multiple occasions. They were reportedly together on January 11, a day before her body was discovered. Preliminary findings suggest she died due to a drug overdose, but police are continuing to verify all angles before ruling out foul play.

The case has sent shockwaves through Goa's tourist and expatriate community, with investigators now piecing together the accused's movements, relationships, and mental state to determine whether more crimes could be linked to him.