Authorities in Karnataka are working to understand the circumstances surrounding Nina Kutina, a Russian woman found living in a cave with her young daughters. Although she expressed contentment with their unconventional lifestyle, questions remain about how they came to be there and their legal status in India.
Russian Mother and Daughters Found in Karnataka Cave: The Enigmatic Life of Nina Kutina
Russian Mother and Daughters Found in Karnataka Cave: The Enigmatic Life of Nina Kutina
The tale of Nina Kutina and her two children living in a cave in India's Karnataka region raises questions about freedom and safety.
Authorities in Karnataka are investigating the unusual case of Nina Kutina, a Russian mother discovered living in a cave with her two young daughters in the Gokarna forest area. On July 9, police carrying out routine patrols in the region stumbled upon the family's cave dwelling, situated near the popular tourist destination of Goa. Kutina, aged 40, along with her daughters, aged six and five, were residing in precarious conditions with limited supplies, prompting their relocation to a detention center for foreigners near Bengaluru due to suspected illegal immigration status.
In a series of video interviews, Nina Kutina defended her choice of living in the cave, asserting that both she and her children enjoyed their existence in nature, stating, "nature gives good health." However, details regarding how long they had been living in such conditions and the family's background remain unclear. Local police reported that the area is known for its dangerous wildlife, including snakes, which made their living arrangement concerning.
The majority of their belongings consisted of plastic mats, clothes, basic food items, and a few personal items. Police noted the family's content demeanor, yet they took time to convince Kutina of the risks posed by the cave's environment. Remarkably, when authorities indicated the presence of snakes and other dangers, Nina responded, "Animals and snakes are our friends. Humans are dangerous."
Kutina, who claims she has not lived in Russia for 15 years, revealed that she has traveled extensively through various countries, with her two daughters being her youngest children—she also has two other children, one of whom tragically died in a car accident in Goa. Reports surfaced about her estranged partner, Israeli businessman Dror Goldstein, who has since come forward asserting his desire for joint custody of their daughters and expressing concern over their deportation.
As investigations continue, questions abound regarding the timeline of their arrival in India and how they managed to reside in the cave, with Kutina admitting to having lost her passport. Her expired visa indicated an initial entry for business purposes back in 2016, but she has remained in India beyond the stipulated period.
While she insists that living in the cave brought joy and education to her children through art and nature, authorities are evaluating the implications of their living situation and the necessary actions for their future. The narrative surrounding Nina Kutina's life raises debates about personal freedom, child safety, and the complexities of immigration laws.
