A Russian woman and her two young daughters were discovered living in a cave in southern India, years after her travel documents expired. The woman, identified as Nina Kutina, 40, was found with her daughters, aged six and four, during a routine patrol by local authorities on July 9, 2023. The cave is located in Ramatirtha Hill, a tourist site known for its landslide risks in Karnataka state.
Kutina and her daughters reportedly lived in the cave for several years. Authorities noted that her visa expired eight years ago, raising questions about their prolonged stay in India. Kutina explained her choice to live off the grid during an interview with the ANI news agency. She emphasized their enjoyment of nature, stating, “They did not feel bad. They were very happy.”
The family arrived in India on a business visa that expired in April 2017. Following this, Kutina left for Nepal in September 2018 before returning to India. Police Superintendent M Narayana remarked that Kutina was hesitant to provide detailed information regarding her and her daughters’ passports and visas.
Kutina mentioned that their visas had “finished… a short while ago” and revealed that they had previously lived in four different countries. While she did not disclose where her children were born, she mentioned having a son who died in Goa, according to Narayana.
Concerns about their well-being surfaced due to the risky nature of living in a cave, especially for young children. Narayana emphasized the dangers associated with such conditions, stating, “Going into caves is a dangerous thing, and with two children, and to live there for a week or more is astonishing.”
Local authorities are now working to repatriate Kutina and her daughters to Russia, as they currently do not possess valid passports. The family has been moved to a nearby detention facility designated for foreigners illegally residing in India. The situation has prompted inquiries from the CNN regarding the involvement of the Russian embassy, as officials seek to address the legal and humanitarian aspects of the case.
As of now, the future of Kutina and her daughters remains uncertain, as authorities navigate the complexities of their illegal status in India while ensuring their safety and well-being.
