The final rites for two Russian women who were allegedly murdered by their compatriot in separate incidents at Morjim and Arambol were held in Pernem.
The first murder came to light on the night of January 15 when the accused, Aleksei Leonov, allegedly restrained Elena Kasthanova (37) at her rented room at Bamanbhati-Arambol and caused her multiple injuries with a sharp weapon, leading to her death.
The second murder involving Leonov then came to light on January 16 around 3 pm, when the body of another Russian woman, Elena Vaneeva (37), was found in a partially decomposed state in her rented room in Madhlowado-Morjim.
The police were informed that the deceased, Elina Vaneva, was allegedly murdered by Leonov on the night of January 14.
The final rites were performed with the approval of the families of the two deceased and the Russian Embassy in India.
When contacted, Mandrem Police Inspector Girendra Naik said Russian Embassy officials had requested the police to hand over the bodies to their custody.
