Unraveling the Mystery: Russian Mother and Her Children Discovered in India

Police in Karnataka, India, are investigating the unusual case of a Russian woman, Nina Kutina, who was discovered living in a cave with her two young daughters. Rescued on July 9, the family lacks valid documentation to remain in the country and is currently housed in a detention center in Bengaluru, awaiting deportation. Kutina has expressed contentment with their cave lifestyle, claiming that nature provides good health, though authorities remain puzzled about how they ended up in such a precarious situation.

Discovery of the Cave Dwelling

The discovery of Kutina and her daughters occurred during a routine police patrol in the Gokarna forest area, a region popular with tourists but known for its dangerous wildlife. Superintendent of Police M Narayana noted that the patrols were initiated to ensure tourist safety due to the area’s snake population and landslide risks. Officers were drawn to the cave after spotting brightly colored clothing hanging outside. Upon entering, they found the family living in modest conditions, with minimal possessions including plastic mats, clothing, and instant noodles. Despite the cave’s leaking structure and the potential dangers posed by wildlife, the police reported that the family appeared comfortable. Kutina reportedly told officers that she considered snakes and animals to be friends, asserting that humans posed a greater danger.

Background of Nina Kutina

Nina Kutina, 40, has been identified as a Russian national who claims to have not lived in her home country for the past 15 years. According to officials from India’s Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), they are in contact with the Russian consulate regarding her repatriation. In interviews, Kutina shared that she has traveled extensively, visiting countries such as Costa Rica, Malaysia, and Thailand. She has four children, including her two daughters found in the cave, and has faced personal tragedy with the loss of her eldest son in a road accident in Goa last year. The father of her daughters, identified as Israeli businessman Dror Goldstein, is currently in India and has expressed a desire for joint custody, complicating the situation further.

Timeline of Events Leading to the Cave Living

Details surrounding how and when Kutina and her daughters arrived in the Karnataka forest remain unclear. Kutina claimed they had been living in the cave for about a week and had previously resided in a cave in Goa. She mentioned purchasing groceries shortly before their discovery. Authorities found an expired passport indicating that she had entered India on a business visa in 2016 but had overstayed. Although she reported losing her passport, police located an older document confirming her visa status. Kutina expressed dissatisfaction with her current detention, describing it as jail-like and lamenting the lack of freedom and adequate food.

Reasons for Living in a Cave

The reasons behind Kutina’s choice to live in a cave have sparked speculation. Initially, the discovery of a Hindu idol in the cave led to assumptions that she was there for spiritual purposes. However, Kutina refuted this notion, stating that her preference for nature was based on health benefits rather than spirituality. She described their living conditions as enjoyable, highlighting activities such as swimming, cooking, and art-making with her daughters. Kutina insisted that they were not in danger, downplaying the presence of snakes and asserting that their lifestyle was fulfilling and safe.


Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editorโ€™s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.

Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn

OV News Desk

The OV News Desk comprises a professional team of news writers and editors working round the clock to deliver timely updates on business, technology, policy, world affairs, sports and current events. The desk combines editorial judgment with journalistic integrity to ensure every story is accurate, fact-checked, and relevant. From market… More »
Back to top button