Nina Kutina and her two daughters were found living in a cave in Karnataka, India, raising questions about their circumstances. The family faces deportation as officials attempt to establish their background, while Kutina defends their unconventional lifestyle.
Russian Woman Found Living in Indian Cave with Daughters Sparks Curiosity

Russian Woman Found Living in Indian Cave with Daughters Sparks Curiosity
Authorities investigate the unusual case of Nina Kutina and her children, who were discovered living in a cave in Karnataka, India.
Police in Karnataka, India are uncovering the story behind Nina Kutina, a Russian woman found living in a cave with her two daughters, aged five and six. Discovered by local authorities on July 9 during a routine patrol near Ramteertha hills, the family was living without valid documents and is now facing deportation.
Kutin, 40, has publicly defended her choice to live in the cave, stating that she and her daughters were thriving in nature which she believes contributes to good health. However, details surrounding their life in the Gokarna forest remain mysterious, including how long they had been there and their overall identity.
According to M Narayana, superintendent of police for Uttara Kannada, the forest area is known for its natural beauty but also poses risks like snakes and wild animals. During patrol, police investigated further upon noticing the vibrant clothing hung outside the cave, leading them to encounter the family.
While the conditions in the cave included plastic mats and minimal belongings, videos recorded by the police show the children in good spirits, dressed in colorful attire. When officers warned Kutina about the dangers of their living situation, she responded, stating, "Animals and snakes are our friends. Humans are dangerous."
Medical examinations confirmed that Kutina and her daughters were fit, but police later learned from India's Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) that she had been residing in the cave without legal permissions. A Russian national, she has traveled extensively in the past 15 years across several countries.
Kutina shared in interviews with Indian news outlets that her journey had included staying in a cave in Goa, where one of her daughters was reportedly born. Additionally, she revealed that one of her older sons died in a tragic accident in the area last year.
As investigations continue, authorities have located the girls' father, Israeli businessman Dror Goldstein. He reported to NDTV that Kutina had left without notifying him and he is seeking custody of the children, while plans for repatriation unfold. Meanwhile, Kutina has expressed dissatisfaction with the conditions in the detention center, likening it to a jail, contrasting it with her perceived contentment in the cave.
The circumstances leading to their stay in the cave remain unclear, including how they entered India and when. Despite previous travels abroad, the family had resided in the Gokarna area for some time before their discovery. Kutina has acknowledged an expired visa, attributing the oversight to grief following her son's death.
Authorities are still working to ensure the girls' welfare, pending their deportation and further inquiries into their past experiences. Amidst the strange circumstances, Kutina insists that their cave life fostered happiness and creativity for her children, emphasizing her belief in the health benefits of living close to nature.