Indian authorities are working to unravel the bewildering case of Nina Kutina, a Russian woman found living in a cave with her two daughters in Karnataka. Rescued on July 9 by police during a routine patrol in the Gokarna forest, the 40-year-old Kutina and her daughters, aged six and five, were discovered after officers noticed colorful clothes drying outside the cave.
The family lacked any valid documentation to remain in India and has since been placed in a detention center near Bengaluru. Kutina has publicly defended their unconventional living situation, claiming they were happy and that nature kept them healthy. However, uncertainty looms regarding how they ended up in such an isolated location, how long they had been there, and their true identities.
Local Superintendent of Police, M. Narayana, noted that the area was a popular tourist destination but hazardous due to wildlife and potential landslides. The officers investigating the cave described the scene: a simple dwelling with scant belongings, consisting of plastic mats, clothing, and instant noodles. Upon their arrival, a blonde girl emerged from the cave to greet them, prompting the officers to enter and discover Kutina and one of her daughters inside.
Although the family appeared comfortable, authorities were concerned for their safety due to the presence of snakes and wild animals in the region. Kutina reportedly dismissed their fears, stating that animals were “friends” and humans were dangerous.
Following their rescue, Kutina stated she had not lived in Russia for the past 15 years, having traveled to various countries, including Costa Rica and Bali. The official Russian consulate in Chennai has been contacted, and efforts are being made for her repatriation.
Furthermore, it was revealed that the girls' father, Dror Goldstein, an Israeli businessman, has been located. He expressed intentions to pursue joint custody of his daughters, conflicting with the government’s plans to deport them to Russia. Kutina alleges that she left Goa without informing him and that she feels uncomfortable in the detention center, describing it as akin to a jail.
While police noted that she manifested a fondness for life in the cave, they struggled to confirm the timeline of their stay, with varying claims from Kutina about their duration there, along with conflicting references to her travel history. Investigations revealed that she originally entered India on an expired business visa and had overstayed it. She explained her visa situation by stating that it lapsed during her grieving process for a son who died in a road accident last year.
The cave had been reported to contain a Hindu idol, leading to speculation about spiritual motivations, which Kutina refuted, instead emphasizing her family's love of nature and the benefits that come with it. She insisted that the cave was a beautiful and ample living space where they thrived.
As local authorities and the consulate navigate this unusual scenario, many questions remain unanswered regarding Kutina's journey and her daughters' wellbeing in a world that may not be as welcoming as she claims.
