A fascinating and somewhat puzzling incident has surfaced from the lush, rough landscape of Karnataka, India, where law enforcement officers recently found a Russian woman, Nina Kutina, along with her two young daughters residing in a secluded cavern. This find has initiated a discreet inquiry to understand the factors that drove this family to adopt such an unusual lifestyle in the wilds near the well-known tourist spot of Goa. The account is developing with a mix of interest and unease, as officials work to reconstruct their path and intentions.
The family’s presence was discovered during a standard police patrol around the Ramteertha hills, in the Gokarna forest. Officers, who regularly monitor the area to ensure tourist safety due to risks like landslides and the presence of wildlife, were taken aback to find colorful clothing drying near an isolated rock structure. Upon investigating further, they found a cave with its entrance subtly covered by colorful saris. As they got closer, a little blonde girl appeared and brought the officers to her mother, Nina Kutina, and her other child inside the shelter.
Inside the cave, the officers observed a sparse but seemingly functional living arrangement. Plastic mats, a few articles of clothing, and packets of instant noodles alongside other basic groceries constituted their meager possessions. Despite the dampness and the raw simplicity of their surroundings, videos captured by the police show the children, dressed in colorful Indian attire, appearing content and even smiling for the camera. The scene presented a striking contrast to the perceived dangers of the forest, which is known for its snakes and wild animals. Authorities noted that the woman and her daughters seemed remarkably at ease in their unusual home.
Convincing Nina Kutina to leave the cave proved to be a delicate process. When informed of the risks posed by the forest’s inhabitants, her response was both surprising and insightful: “Animals and snakes are our friends. Humans are dangerous.” This statement offered a glimpse into her unique worldview and her apparent comfort with nature over human society. Following their eventual removal from the cave, Ms. Kutina and her daughters, aged six and five, underwent medical examinations and were confirmed to be in good health.
The core of the mystery now revolves around Nina Kutina herself. Officials from India’s Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) have confirmed her Russian nationality and stated that preparations are underway for her repatriation, a process that involves coordination with the Russian consulate in Chennai. In interviews given to Indian news agencies, Ms. Kutina revealed that she had not resided in Russia for 15 years, having traveled extensively to numerous countries including Costa Rica, Malaysia, Bali, Thailand, Nepal, and Ukraine.
Her personal story, as recounted in these interviews, also includes a tragic detail: she is a mother of four, with children ranging from twenty down to five years old. She shared the heartbreaking news of her eldest son’s death in a road accident in Goa the previous year. Officials have also noted that her second son, aged eleven, is currently in Russia, information they have shared with the consulate.
Adding another layer to this intricate narrative, the FRRO recently identified the father of the two girls found in the cave as Dror Goldstein, an Israeli businessman who is currently in India. Mr. Goldstein, who stated he had filed a missing person report when Ms. Kutina left Goa without informing him, has expressed his desire for joint custody of their daughters and has indicated his intention to prevent their deportation to Russia, emphasizing his commitment to their well-being. This development introduces a personal and legal dimension to the unfolding situation, highlighting the complexities of family ties across international borders.
The precise timeline of when Nina Kutina reached the forest of Karnataka and how long she stayed in the cave is not entirely clear. She told the authorities that she and her daughters had been living in the cave for seven days, after previously inhabiting a different cave in Goa, where she stated one of her daughters was born. She also mentioned buying food items, like instant noodles, from a nearby shop a week before they were found.
Her broader travel history within India and internationally is equally convoluted. While she claimed to have lost her passport, an expired one found among her belongings indicated she entered India on a business visa valid from October 2016 to April 2017. She overstayed this visa, was apprehended a year later, and issued an “exit permit” by the Goa FRRO. Immigration stamps show she then entered Nepal in April 2018 and exited three months later. It remains unclear where she traveled after that, though she stated she had visited at least four other countries since leaving India in 2018. She claims to have returned to India, possibly in February 2020, because of her deep affection for the country. Her current visa had expired a few months prior to her discovery, a lapse she attributed to her grief over her son’s death.
The reasons for her decision to reside there have also drawn attention and debate. An idol of Panduranga Vittala, a representation of the Hindu god Krishna, was discovered in her cave, initially sparking rumors that her stay was motivated by spiritual or meditative reasons. Nevertheless, Ms. Kutina has categorically denied this, clarifying, “It isn’t about spirituality. We simply enjoy nature because it provides us with health… it’s significant health, unlike living indoors.” She highlighted her considerable background in living amidst natural settings, even in forests, and asserted that her daughters were content and flourishing in that environment. She described their cave as “quite large and lovely,” ideally situated close to a village for obtaining daily essentials.
She vigorously supported her choice, claiming that her kids were safe and thriving. She described their pursuits: swimming at a nearby waterfall, participating in art classes, crafting with clay, creating paintings, and savoring the delicious meals she prepared. She also minimized worries about encountering snakes, comparing their presence in the woods to discovering them in regular houses. Her emphasis on the wellness advantages and genuine happiness gained from residing in nature offers insight into her personal philosophy, indicating an intentional and informed decision rather than an act of despair.
El caso de Nina Kutina y sus hijas se ha convertido en un punto central para los debates sobre estilos de vida alternativos, la autonomía personal y el papel de las autoridades en la gestión de situaciones tan singulares. Esto resalta las complicaciones de los marcos culturales y legales cuando las personas eligen deliberadamente vivir al margen de las normas sociales.
The authorities are navigating a delicate balance between ensuring the welfare of the children, respecting the mother’s choices, and upholding immigration laws. The quiet unraveling of this story continues to captivate, offering a glimpse into the diverse ways individuals seek meaning and happiness in an increasingly conventional world. The family’s future remains uncertain, but their remarkable journey into the Indian wilderness has certainly left an indelible mark on those who encountered them.
