Russian Woman and Daughters Discovered Living in Cave in Southern India

A Russian woman and her two daughters were found living in a secluded cave in Karnataka, southern India, according to local police. Nina Kutina, 40, and her daughters, aged six and four, were discovered during a routine patrol at Ramatirtha Hill, a well-known tourist destination, on July 9. Police officer Sridhar S.R. stated the family had been residing in the cave for over a week.

Authorities reported that Kutina had overstayed her visa and is being processed for repatriation to Russia. The family has been relocated to a detention center for foreigners living illegally in India. Police described the cave as decorated with images of Hindu deities and said Kutina spent her time meditating by candlelight. She told officers she wished to remain in the forest to worship.

Sridhar noted that Kutina had previously worked as a Russian language tutor in Goa and attributed her presence in the cave to "her love for adventure." Police also reported that Kutina informed friends their "peaceful life in the cave has ended" after authorities intervened. Kutina declined to comment when contacted by reporters, but previously told a news agency that she spent her days painting, singing, reading, and living peacefully with her children.