Indian authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Nina Kutina and her two daughters, who were found living in a cave in Karnataka. While Kutina asserts that their life in nature was fulfilling, concerns about their safety and immigration status remain.
Russian Woman and Children Found Living in Cave Sparks Curiosity in India

Russian Woman and Children Found Living in Cave Sparks Curiosity in India
The story of Nina Kutina and her daughters, discovered living in a Karnataka cave, raises questions about their unusual lifestyle and immigration status.
In a puzzling turn of events, Karnataka police in India have uncovered the story of a Russian mother, Nina Kutina, living in a cave with her two young daughters, aged six and five. Found on July 9 by officers patrolling the vicinity of Ramteertha hills in Gokarna forest - a region known for its beautiful landscapes and tourist appeal - the family was discovered residing in a cave, which they had reportedly occupied for about a week.
Authorities have stated that both Kutina and her children lack valid residency documentation to remain in India, leading to their placement in a detention center near Bengaluru, where they await deportation. Despite the baffling situation, Kutina maintains that living in the cave with her children has brought them happiness, citing the wellness of living in nature. “Nature gives good health,” she expressed in interviews with Indian news agency ANI.
The police stumbled upon the cave while on routine patrol, indicating that they had noticed bright clothing hung out to dry. Upon investigation, they encountered a little girl running out and then discovered the living conditions inside — equipped with basic supplies such as plastic mats, clothing, and instant noodles. The entrance of the cave was covered with colorful saris, hinting at a makeshift homely touch. “The woman and her children appeared quite comfortable there,” said M. Narayana, the Uttara Kannada district superintendent of police.
While initially taken for a welfare check, police conveyed to Kutina the dangers posed by their forest surroundings, filled with wildlife and snakes, to which she humorously remarked that “animals and snakes are our friends.” Following her rescue, Kutina and her daughters were deemed healthy after a medical check-up.
Nina Kutina claims to be originally from Russia but states she hasn’t resided there for 15 years. She has traveled through multiple countries, including Malaysia and Thailand. Her narrative is further complicated by the involvement of the father of her daughters, Dror Goldstein, an Israeli businessman who is currently in India. He has publicly expressed his desire to prevent the deportation of his daughters back to Russia while seeking joint custody.
Despite the lack of clarity regarding how long they’ve been in the forest or the specifics of Kutina's travels leading up to their cave residence, police noted discrepancies in her story. She mentioned that she had lost her passport but was found to have an expired one confirming her original entry into India on a business visa that expired in April 2017.
Reiterating that their time in the cave was not motivated by spiritual pursuits but rather a love for nature, Kutina dismissed claims that the environment posed a risk to her children's well-being. She described her life there as enriching, filled with art projects, swimming in waterfalls, and cooking.
As the investigation continues to unfold, the story of Nina Kutina raises more questions about foreign nationals’ life choices, safety protocols for children, and immigration regulations in India.