A remarkable and somewhat perplexing story has emerged from the verdant, rugged terrain of Karnataka, India, where police recently encountered a Russian woman, Nina Kutina, and her two young daughters living in an isolated cave. This discovery has ignited a quiet investigation to unravel the circumstances that led this family to such an unconventional existence in the wilderness bordering the popular tourist destination of Goa. The narrative is unfolding with a blend of curiosity and concern, as authorities attempt to piece together their journey and motivations.
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.
Within the cavern, law enforcement found a minimal yet apparently effective habitation setup. They noted plastic mats, some pieces of clothing, and various packs of instant noodles with other essential groceries as their limited belongings. Even though the condition was moist and their environment very basic, footage filmed by the authorities reveals the kids in vibrant Indian clothes, looking pleased and even posing happily for the camera. The image provided a notable contrast to the expected threats of the woodland area, recognized for its snakes and wildlife. Official reports mentioned that the mother and her children appeared surprisingly comfortable in their unconventional dwelling.
Persuading Nina Kutina to exit the cave turned out to be a sensitive task. Upon being told about the dangers posed by the forest’s creatures, her reply was unexpectedly insightful: “Animals and snakes are our friends. The real threat comes from humans.” This remark revealed her distinctive perspective and her obvious ease in the natural world compared to human society. After eventually leaving the cave, Ms. Kutina and her daughters, aged six and five, received medical check-ups, which verified that they were 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 narrative, as related through these interviews, also reveals a sorrowful aspect: she is the mother of four children whose ages span from five to twenty years old. She conveyed the devastating news of her oldest son’s passing in a vehicular accident in Goa last year. Authorities have also mentioned that her second child, who is eleven, is presently in Russia, and they have communicated this detail to the consulate.
Adding another dimension to this complex story, the FRRO has recently identified the father of the two girls discovered in the cave as Dror Goldstein, an Israeli entrepreneur who is presently in India. Mr. Goldstein mentioned that he reported a missing person case when Ms. Kutina departed from Goa without notifying him. He has also shown interest in shared custody of their children and intends to stop their deportation to Russia, stressing his dedication to their welfare. This incident adds both a personal and legal aspect to the evolving circumstances, underscoring the intricacies of family connections across different countries.
The exact timeline of Nina Kutina’s arrival in the Karnataka forest and her stay in the cave remains somewhat obscure. She informed the police that she and her daughters had been living in the cave for a week, having previously resided in another cave in Goa, where she claimed one of her daughters was born. She also mentioned purchasing groceries, including instant noodles, from a local store a week prior to their discovery.
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 motivation behind her choice of dwelling has also been a subject of speculation. An idol of Panduranga Vittala, a form of the Hindu deity Krishna, was found in her cave, initially leading to reports that her presence was rooted in spiritual or meditative practices. However, Ms. Kutina has directly refuted this, stating, «It is not about spirituality. We just like nature because it gives us health… it’s very big health, it’s not like you live in a home.» She emphasized her extensive experience living in natural environments, even in jungles, and insisted that her daughters were happy and thriving there. She described their cave as «very big and beautiful,» conveniently located near a village for acquiring necessities.
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.
The case of Nina Kutina and her daughters has become a focal point for discussions about alternative lifestyles, individual autonomy, and the role of authorities in managing such unique circumstances. It highlights the complexities of cultural and legal frameworks when individuals deliberately choose to live outside societal norms.
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.
