Russian Woman and Daughters Found Living in Cave in Karnataka

Authorities in Karnataka are investigating the peculiar case of Russian woman Nina Kutina and her daughters found living in a cave. Despite lack of documentation and concerns for their safety, Kutina defends their lifestyle choice, while officials face pressure to manage her repatriation.

Police in the Indian state of Karnataka are unraveling the mystery of a Russian woman, Nina Kutina, and her two young daughters, who were discovered living in a cave. Rescued on July 9 during a routine patrol in the Ramteertha hills near Gokarna, a popular tourism destination, Kutina and her daughters, aged six and five, lack valid documents to remain in India. They are currently detained in a center for foreign nationals in Bengaluru and face imminent deportation.

In exclusive interviews with Indian news agency ANI, Kutina insisted that she and her children have thrived in their unconventional living arrangement, asserting that "nature gives good health." However, questions linger regarding how long they had remained in the cave and the circumstances leading to their stay in a forest known for its wild animals and snakes.

M Narayana, the superintendent of police for Uttara Kannada district, explained that to ensure the safety of tourists, regular patrols began last year in this notoriously perilous area. It was during one of these checks that officers spotted vibrant clothing drying outside the cave. Upon closer inspection, they were greeted by a young girl, leading them to Kutina and her daughters, who appeared reasonably comfortable despite the cave’s leaking conditions and sparse furnishings.

Their meager possessions included plastic mats, clothing, and packets of instant noodles. Kutina expressed her belief that animals and snakes are their friends, while humans posed a greater threat. Medical examinations post-rescue confirmed the trio's well-being.

Kutina, identifying as Russian but claiming to have not lived there for 15 years, has traveled widely, visiting over twenty countries including Costa Rica and Malaysia. Revealing she lost her eldest son in a Goa accident last year, reports indicate that her other children live in Russia. Recently, authorities reached out to the girls' father, Israeli businessman Dror Goldstein, who stated he wishes to share custody and is seeking to prevent their deportation.

Despite their unclear arrival timeline in Karnataka, Kutina reported being in the cave for over a week after moving from Goa, where she also claims to have resided in a cave. She expressed dissatisfaction with her current detention, drawing contrasts between the cave's serenity and the conditions of the detention center.

Key elements of Kutina’s story unravel further as officials examine an idol found in her cave, originally speculated to indicate a spiritual reason for their stay. Yet, she has since rejected such notions, emphasizing their desire for a natural lifestyle over spiritual motives.

In a testament to her determination, Kutina declared that her family's cave setting fostered happiness, with opportunities for artistic activities and fresh produce. She contends that their experience in the cave brings better health, countering claims of danger stemming from wildlife. As authorities prepare for her repatriation, the search for answers continues surrounding this unusual family dynamic in Karnataka.