Police in Karnataka, India, are delving into the extraordinary case of Nina Kutina, a Russian woman discovered living with her two young daughters in a cave amidst the picturesque backdrop of Gokarna forests. Found on July 9, the family’s unconventional existence has led to investigations into the circumstances surrounding their life in this remote location.
Authorities came across Kutina and her daughters when patrolling the tourist-popular Ramteertha hills, a region known for its wilderness and natural beauty. The police were drawn to a brightly colored setup where Kutina had hung clothes to dry. On entering the cave, officers found a sparse environment consisting of basic necessities like food packets and mats, and in her interviews, Kutina expressed contentment with their surroundings, remarking that “nature gives good health.”
Despite her claims of happiness, the police have taken action due to the lack of valid documentation for the family’s stay in India, and they were moved to a detention center for deportation procedures. The unusual details surrounding their stay, including how they managed to survive in an area infested with snakes and wild animals, led to growing curiosity and concern. Police have said the cave was unsafe, yet Kutina defended her lifestyle, asserting that animals and snakes were harmless companions compared to humans.
Kutina, 40, detailed her eclectic life in video interviews, disclosing that she had resided in various countries over the last 15 years, and claimed to have lived in a cave in Goa prior to her time in Karnataka. Although her past is a mix of travel and hardship—including the death of her eldest son in an accident—she maintained that her daughters were happy and had a fulfilling life in nature, characterized by swimming in waterfalls and engaging in creative activities like clay making.
However, the family's future remains uncertain as the Indian Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) has initiated repatriation procedures while also uncovering connections to Kutina's estranged partner, Dror Goldstein, an Israeli businessman who is seeking custody of the children. He had previously filed a missing persons report after Kutina left Goa discreetly.
As police continue their investigation, questions loom large regarding Kutina's intentions, safety, and the implications of her lifestyle choices, prompting broader discussions about freedom, cultural understanding, and the rights of individuals unmoored in foreign lands.
