India: Russian woman found living in cave with daughters; overstaying visa since 2017

Gokarna, Karnataka: A 40-year-old Russian woman, Nina Kutina, and her two young daughters were rescued from a hazardous cave in the forested Ramatirtha Hill area of Gokarna on July 9. Police found them living in dangerous conditions during a routine patrol to ensure tourist safety.

According to Gokarna police, Kutina had been living in the forest cave with her daughters – Prema (6 years, 7 months) and Ama (4 years) – allegedly for spiritual reasons. She told officers that she had come from Goa to the forest to meditate and worship.

Authorities described the cave as being in a landslide-prone area surrounded by venomous wildlife, raising major safety concerns. After police explained the dangers, Kutina agreed to vacate the cave. The family was escorted safely down the hill.

Following the rescue, Kutina and her daughters were taken to the ashram of Yoga Ratna Saraswati Swamiji, an 80-year-old spiritual leader associated with the Shankara Prasad Foundation in Bankikodlu village, Kumta taluk. The transfer was carried out under the protection of female police personnel.

Initially hesitant to share her identity, Kutina eventually told authorities that her passport and visa had been lost. However, during a search of the cave and nearby forest area, police and forest officials recovered the documents – confirming her visa had expired on April 17, 2017.

The Superintendent of Police in Karwar contacted the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Bengaluru. Legal steps are now being taken to deport Kutina and her children to Russia. In the meantime, they have been placed in the care of the Women’s Reception Centre for their safety.

Authorities confirmed that Kutina and her daughters will appear before the FRRO in Shanthinagar, Bengaluru, on July 14, under the supervision of a female police officer. Further legal proceedings will follow to determine the next course of action.