Police in Karnataka are piecing together the story of Nina Kutina, a Russian woman who was recently found living in a cave with her two young daughters, aged six and five, near the Ramteertha hills in the Gokarna forest. Discovery occurred on July 9 during a routine patrol, with officers surprised to find the family living in such an environment considered dangerous due to wildlife risk.
The 40-year-old Kutina and her daughters lack valid documentation to reside in India and are currently housed in a detention centre in Bengaluru, pending deportation. In video interviews, Kutina expressed contentment with her cave life, asserting that “nature gives good health.” However, details about her journey to this secluded lifestyle remain unclear.
Karnataka police noted the area is frequented by tourists but emphasized the dangers presented by snakes and landslides. Officers stumbled onto the cave while patrolling the area, drawn by the sight of brightly colored clothing hanging outside. Upon entering, they found Kurtina and her daughters, who appeared comfortable but were living with minimal resources—mostly instant noodles and a few personal belongings.
Kutina claims she has not lived in Russia for 15 years, having traveled to several countries, including Costa Rica and Thailand. Her recent history in India is complicated; she supposedly lived in a cave in Goa before moving to Karnataka, where she insists one of her daughters was born.
An immigration official has confirmed she will be repatriated once authorities finish processing her legal situation. Kutina’s daughters’ father, Israeli businessman Dror Goldstein, has expressed a desire for joint custody and is seeking to prevent their deportation to Russia. He filed a missing person report and has been in touch with officials regarding their return.
Police reported that Kutina appeared to be in good health upon her rescue but voiced concerns about conditions in the detention center, describing it as jail-like and unclean, starkly contrasting her previously self-sufficient lifestyle.
While authorities are trying to unravel how long Kutina and her daughters had been residing in the cave, she admits to having lost her passport and her visa expired months ago. Despite this, she claims she and her daughters thrived in the cave, enjoying nature's benefits, swimming, crafting, and eating well, thus raising ongoing inquiries about their situation and future.
