In a remote corner of India, specifically the Ramatirtha Hills near Gokarna, Karnataka, a Russian woman and her two daughters were recently discovered residing in a cave. The discovery was made on July 9, 2025, by the Gokarna police during a routine patrol focused on tourist safety, following reports of a recent landslide in the area.
The woman, identified as 40-year-old Nina Kutina, also known as Mohi, had been living in the cave with her two daughters, 6-year-old Preya and 4-year-old Ama. Kutina had arrived in India on a business visa in 2016, which expired in April 2017. She then traveled from Goa to Gokarna, drawn to the area's spiritual significance and meditative roots. According to authorities, Kutina chose to remain in India even after her visa expired, avoiding hotels and populated areas to evade detection.
The family had created a modest living space within the natural cave, nestled amidst dense forests and steep slopes. Inside, police found clothing, bedding, a small shrine with a Rudra idol, Russian-language books, and photos of Hindu deities. Kutina reportedly spent her days in worship, meditation, and homeschooling her daughters.
Kutina told news agency PTI that their life in the cave was peaceful and harmonious. She said they woke up with the sun, swam in rivers, cooked on a fire, painted, sang, and read books. She also stated that her daughters were healthy and happy, and had never been sick. She also told officials that her daughters enjoyed spending time playing with clay and living in nature. When questioned about the presence of snakes in the area, Kutina said that they were her friends and didn't harm them.
Authorities, however, were concerned for the family's safety, as the Ramatirtha Hills are prone to landslides and home to venomous wildlife. Police convinced Kutina to move to a safer location and temporarily relocated them to an ashram in Bankikodla village, under the care of a spiritual leader.
The Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police has initiated proceedings with the Foreigners' Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Bengaluru regarding the visa violations. The Russian Embassy has been contacted through a local NGO, and repatriation formalities are underway to ensure the safe return of Kutina and her daughters to Russia.
Kutina insists that she had traveled in and out of India multiple times and disputes the official claims that she overstayed her visa by several years. She also revealed that nine months prior, her eldest son had died, and his ashes were among the belongings taken after their removal from the cave. She expressed her distress at being in a rehabilitation facility, calling it traumatic and uncomfortable.
The discovery of the Russian family living in a cave has raised questions about their motivations, living conditions, and legal status. While Kutina claims they were living peacefully and in harmony with nature, authorities are concerned about their safety and are taking steps to ensure their well-being and compliance with immigration laws.
