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India Today
5 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
High Court halts deportation of Russian woman, her children found in Gokarna cave
The Karnataka High Court has stayed the deportation of the Russian woman and her children, who were recently found living in a cave in Gokarna, citing the need to prioritise their best interests as mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).The court's interim order puts a temporary halt on any unilateral action by decision of Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav came during the hearing of a writ petition that was filed to challenge a sudden deportation order issued against the children. The petitioner, represented by advocate Beena Pillai, argued that the deportation process disregarded the children's welfare and violated UNCRC petition was filed on behalf of Kutina's daughter, Prema (6) and Ama (4), who were rescued last week along with their mother by the Gokarna police during a routine patrol in the remote, landslide-prone Ramatirtha Hills. The family had been living in isolation, reportedly as part of Kutina's spiritual journey, when officials discovered them. During the hearing, the Assistant Solicitor General appeared for the Union of India, while Advocate Beena Pillai represented the petitioner. The court noted that a detailed hearing is required in the matter. Based on the Centre's submission that the children do not currently possess valid travel documents, the court said the fear of immediate deportation is not reasonable at this directed the Centre to file its objections in writing within two weeks and made it clear that no deportation steps can be taken without first approaching the bench. Deportation, if any, cannot proceed without prior intimation to the court until the next hearing on August 18, had originally entered India on a business visa in 2016, which expired in 2017. Authorities say she re-entered India in 2018 after travelling to Nepal, and that multiple visa violations have since occurred. Her passport was recovered during a joint search operation by the police and forest the rescue, the family was shifted first to an ashram and later to a government women's shelter in Karwar.- EndsTune InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
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First Post
5 hours ago
- First Post
Why Karnataka High Court halted the deportation of the Russian woman found in Gokarna cave
The Karnataka High Court halted the deportation of Nina Kutina, the Russian woman who was found living in a cave near Gokarna with her two young daughters. The court said that such a move could potentially 'endanger the children and their welfare'. The 40-year-old woman, who overstayed her visa for years, says she sought 'spiritual solitude' in the 'big, beautiful cave' read more Kutina, who had overstayed her Indian visa by several years, told authorities she had chosen a life of 'spiritual solitude' in the jungle. The deportation of her and her daughters was temporarily halted by Karnataka High Court. Image courtesy: News18 Karnataka High Court has put a stop to the deportation of Nina Kutina, the Russian woman who was recently found living with her two young daughters in a cave near Gokarna. The family had been staying deep within the jungles of Ramatirtha hills. During a routine patrol earlier this month, police came across the woman and her children, who had been living off-grid for weeks. Kutina, who had overstayed her Indian visa by several years, told authorities she had chosen a life of 'spiritual solitude' in the jungle. The discovery quickly drew attention both in India and abroad and made headlines. Once officials brought the family down from the hills, they began deportation proceedings citing the long-expired visa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the Karnataka High Court's decision to halt their deportation has added a new turn to the case. Here's what happenend Why has the High Court stopped Kutina's deportation On Wednesday, the Karnataka High Court put a temporary hold on the deportation of Nina Kutina, stating that such a move could potentially 'endanger the children and their welfare.' The decision came in response to a writ petition challenging the deportation order. Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav, who is hearing the case, took note of the concerns raised by Kutina's lawyer, Beena Pillai. She argued that the authorities had overlooked the children's rights, particularly under international law. Referring to Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Pillai told the court that 'the best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children.' The judge agreed that this principle must be considered before any action is taken, and stated that re-evaluating the deportation was 'in the best interest of both the children.' Inside the cave, the 'spiritually inclined' Russian woman had kept a Rudra idol, Russian books, and photos of Hindu deities. Police found her during a routine patrol. Image courtesy: X The assistant solicitor general, representing the Union of India, also informed the court that the children do not currently have valid travel or identity documents. The court observed that without proper paperwork, deporting them would be unreasonable. It has now directed the government to file a formal affidavit confirming the lack of documents and to submit any objections within two weeks. Until then, the court made it clear that no deportation should take place without its permission. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The matter will next be heard on August 18. Kutina's 'spiritual' life in the forests On 9 July, police on routine patrol in the forests of Uttara Kannada district stumbled upon a curtain of red saris hanging between trees, an unusual sight in the deep jungles. Moving closer, they realised it was covering the entrance of a cave. A statue of a Hindu god, scattered belongings, were found, and eventually, a blonde child emerged. Moments later, officers discovered Nina Kutina asleep inside the cave with her younger daughter. Police believe Kutina had been staying there for at least a week at the time, and had spent several stints living in the cave over the past nine months. When questioned, Kutina told the officers she had moved into the cave in search of 'spiritual solitude and to live closer to nature.' 'We woke up with the sun, swam in rivers and lived in nature. I cooked on a fire or gas cylinder, depending on the season, and got groceries from a nearby village. We painted, sang songs, read books and lived peacefully,' she told the media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the rainy season, the family lived with minimal clothing and relied mostly on daylight. Although they had candles, they rarely used them, Gokarna police Sub Inspector Sridhar S R told The Indian Express. She dismissed concerns about the risks of living in the forest, especially during monsoon season. Kutina reportedly told police that 'animals and snakes are our friends' and that she only feared human beings, not the jungle. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite her protests, police removed the family from the cave and took them back to the nearby town. Kutina underwent a hospital check-up, and the children were placed in a shelter. M Narayana, Superintendent of Police, later described her as 'deeply disillusioned with human society, yet still compassionate and spiritually grounded.' After being relocated, Kutina messaged a friend about her feelings, writing that they had been taken from their 'big and beautiful cave' and 'placed in a prison without sky, without grass, without a waterfall, with an icy hard floor on which we now sleep for 'protection from rain and snakes'…. Once again, evil has won.' Who is Nina Kutina & how did she come to India? Nina Kutina, a Russian national, first arrived in India in 2016 on a business visa. That visa expired a year later, but instead of returning home, she chose to stay back after becoming involved with spiritual communities in Goa. In 2017, she began a relationship with an Israeli man, Dror Goldstein. The following year, after overstaying her visa, Kutina was deported to Russia. She then travelled to Ukraine, where she gave birth to her first daughter. Kutina already had two sons from a previous relationship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By 2020, she was back in India. She reunited with Goldstein in Goa, and the couple had another daughter. During this period, Kutina supported herself by teaching art and languages. However, Goldstein says their relationship eventually broke down. According to him, Kutina began to withdraw and would often disappear for long periods with the children. VIDEO | Dror, father of Russian woman Nina Kutina's kids, who was discovered living with her two daughters in a secluded cave near Gokarna, Karnataka said, "Nina's visa expired a few months ago. My next step is to return to Bengaluru and discuss the matter with my lawyer… — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 17, 2025 The situation worsened in October last year when Kutina's eldest son, aged 21, died in a motorcycle accident in India. Following this personal tragedy, she became more withdrawn. Goldstein told the media that although he continued to send her a 'good amount' of money each month, she cut off communication. He returned from Nepal after renewing his visa only to find that Kutina and their daughters had vanished. In December, he filed a police complaint but heard nothing for months, until reports of their discovery in a Gokarna cave surfaced this July. Kutina has since said there were 'many complicated reasons' behind her decision to remain in India without valid documents. 'First, there were multiple personal losses – not just the death of my son, but also a few other close people. We were constantly dealing with grief, paperwork and other problems,' she said. She also claimed that her son's ashes were among the belongings taken from the cave after their removal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With the court halting her deportation for now, the future of this complex case remains uncertain. With input from agencies
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
What made Karnataka HC halt Russian woman Nina Kutina's deportation after she was found living in Gokarna caves
On Wednesday, the Karnataka High Court ordered a stay on the deportation of Nina Kutina, a Russian national who was discovered earlier this month living in a forest cave in Gokarna with her two daughters. The case was heard by Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav, who said the decision to deport could 'endanger the children and their welfare.' The court was responding to a writ petition filed against the deportation order. Kutina's lawyer, Beena Pillai, argued that the process overlooked the children's rights under international law. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MBA Leadership Healthcare Management Others Data Analytics Product Management Artificial Intelligence CXO PGDM Digital Marketing Technology Cybersecurity healthcare Data Science others MCA Project Management Finance Data Science Public Policy Degree Design Thinking Operations Management Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details She pointed to Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states: 'The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pennsylvania: These Walk In Tubs Are Cheap (See Prices) Walk In Tub Discounts Undo Taking this into account, the court said that reconsidering the deportation was 'in the best interest of both the children.' No valid documents but no immediate deportation During the hearing, the Assistant Solicitor General, appearing for the Union of India, admitted that the children did not possess valid travel or identity documents. Live Events The court noted that, without proper paperwork, any move to deport the children was unreasonable at this stage. It has now asked the government to file a formal affidavit confirming the absence of documents and to submit objections within two weeks. Until then, it made one point clear: no deportation can be carried out without the court being informed. The next hearing is scheduled for 18 August. Found in a forest cave On 9 July, police discovered Kutina and her daughters Preya, aged 6, and Ama, aged 4, living in a cave on Ramatirtha Hill in the Uttara Kannada district. Officers on patrol noticed a curtain of red saris draped over trees. Behind it, they found a small cave, a statue of a Hindu god, scattered clothes, and eventually, a child. They were stunned to find Kutina inside, asleep with her second child by her side. According to police, she had been living there for at least a week. She later admitted that she had stayed in the cave on and off for the past nine months. Her visa had expired eight years ago. Who is Nina Kutina and why is she living in the forest? Kutina told police she had moved to the cave for 'spiritual solitude and to live closer to nature.' 'We woke up with the sun, swam in rivers and lived in nature,' she said in interviews published by Indian media. 'I cooked on a fire or gas cylinder, depending on the season, and got groceries from a nearby village. We painted, sang songs, read books and lived peacefully.' Despite warnings that the area was unsafe during the monsoon, Kutina resisted. She told police: 'Animals and snakes are our friends. It is only humans who are dangerous.' Still, she was taken for a medical check-up and placed with her children in a government shelter in Tumakuru. She later messaged a friend saying they had been 'placed in a prison without sky, without grass, without a waterfall, with an icy hard floor on which we now sleep for 'protection from rain and snakes'... Once again, evil has won.' Kutina first arrived in India in 2016 and spent time at Arambol Beach in Goa. She later entered a relationship with Israeli national Dror Goldstein. She overstayed her visa and was deported in 2018. She travelled to Ukraine and gave birth to her first daughter. She already had two older sons from a previous relationship. By 2020, she was back in India. Kutina reunited with Goldstein and had another child. During this time, she made a living teaching art and languages. But Goldstein claims the relationship fell apart. He said she began disappearing with the children. In 2023, her 21-year-old son died in a motorbike crash. Goldstein, who was in Nepal renewing his visa, returned to find Kutina and the girls missing. He filed a police complaint in Goa that December. In it, he accused Kutina of 'brainwashing his children and keeping them away from him.' He also said: 'The Russian woman began to use me for money and often subjected me to physical and verbal abuse.' For now, Kutina remains in India, under the care of state authorities. The legal battle over her immigration status and her daughters' custody continues. When asked why she stayed in the country without documents, she replied: 'There were many complicated reasons. First, there were multiple personal losses – not just the death of my son, but also a few other close people. We were constantly dealing with grief, paperwork and other problems.' Among her belongings taken from the cave, she claimed, were her son's ashes. The court has pressed pause, but the story is far from over.
The Print
a day ago
- The Print
Russian woman rescued from Karnataka cave wants to go back to forest—‘feeling of special happiness'
She is also concerned about initial media reports on their life projecting her in a way that has angered Russian society. Kutina also said she does not think it is safe for her to go back to Russia, and requested the Indian government not to deport her. 'I have concerns about how safe it is for our family to return to our homeland now. In connection with the ongoing military actions as far as I have seen, activists who write, think and speak out for peace are not safe,' she told ThePrint in a conversation over WhatsApp. Mumbai: Nina Kutina, 40-year-old Russian woman who Karnataka police found on 11 July living in a cave in a forested area along with her two daughters, told ThePrint that she did not want to be rescued, and urged the Indian government to allow her and her family permission to go back to their life in the jungle. 'The lies told by the police about us to the newspapers, exaggerated and embellished, spread throughout the world forced Russian society to react with anger and accusations. Reading all this, any person will understand that only madmen would dare to fly there now to be torn apart by those who have already condemned and sentenced us,' she said. Adding, 'Therefore, I ask the Indian Government to make an exception for us and allow us to officially live in the jungles of India and continue to pass on our unique experience and knowledge to all the people of the world, instead of sending us to possible death. Or give us permission to fly out, allowing us to fly in any direction we choose. And allow us to wait for the preparation of our new documents in conditions acceptable for life.' Kutina said she has lived in Indian forests twice before this for considerable durations but never encountered a police team. She, along with her two daughters, was found by the Karnataka police living in a cave in the Ramatirtha Hills in the coastal town of Gokarna, where they had been living in complete isolation. The team that was out on patrol got curious when they saw a sari hanging in a forest cave. On following the trail, they first found the two children and then their mother. Fearing the risks of wild animals, the team removed the three from the forest and took them to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) detention centre. But Kutina insisted that she did not want to be rescued from the cave. Living with snakes and animals and among the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables in the jungle was where she and her daughters were most comfortable, and it is in cities and among people that they feel unsafe, she said. The police found her passport near the cave itself, and deportation proceedings are underway to send her back to Russia. Kutina claimed the documents that have been found are her older passports and they suggest her overstay period in India is much longer than it actually is. As things stand, there is no clear direction on where she would go. Though it is likely she might be sent back to her home country. The future of her daughters is even more uncertain as their father, Israeli citizen Dror Goldstein, has demanded shared custody. Also Read: Russian woman, kids found living in cave sent to restriction centre, deportation after embassy's nod Fond of forests A student of Russian language and literature, philology and design in Russia, Kutina was moved by different religious philosophies like Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity, which she often references. She said she has been practising Bhakti yoga for nine years. Kutina first came to India alone, in 2016. Her then Russian partner Andrew Lebedev, with whom she had her first two children, joined her later. The couple moved to a forest in Arambol in Goa in 2017 and stayed there for nine months. Her motivation, at least partly, was spiritual. Kutina and Lebedev first met in Russia in 2011 and they liked travelling to challenging places. They traveled to the Black Sea coast and Carpathian mountains in 2011. They kept travelling before Lebedev decided to go back to Moscow at some point. Kutina continued to travel. When she came to Goa in 2016, Lebedev joined her again. ThePrint also reached Lebedev on WhatsApp. 'I fell in love with the place. The girls were not born yet. The elder son was 13 and the younger was 3. We decided to live in the forest for several months. I believe they still remember us there,' he said. Like Kutina, Lebedev too was fascinated by the idea of living in the midst of nature. During this experience in the forests, they faced some initial challenges like how to light a fire in the monsoon. But Kutina said living in the forest in Goa was not a reckless idea, having visited and stayed in forests in different countries before that. But the forest life in Arambol was transformative and one of the 'happiest times' of her life, she said. 'We learnt all sorts of tricks to survive. One was to use fire in the high humidity. We also deeply understood the importance of preparing dry firewood for the entire duration of the rains which protected us from bacteria and ants,' she said. However, Lebedev and Nina parted ways soon. 'We lived together in Goa. But in a while a somewhat difficult period of our relationship began. Although life there was wonderful, especially when the rains began and the jungle blossomed, we still had a fight. And I decided that it was better to distance myself for now. I still don't know whether I did it right or wrong. I left. Then Nina wandered. And she met Dror, and I met a woman who gave me a daughter. In fact, then Nina and I separated, we had new families. But we always kept in touch,' Lebedev said. Kutina moved out of India in 2017 as her visa expired. She then travelled to multiple countries including Nepal, Ukraine and Costa Rica where she shared her experience with her friends. But she longed for time in the forests of India and returned again in 2020. She returned to the Arambol forests in Goa again during the pandemic for a full year—this time with her younger son Luchezar (6) and her two daughters, Prema Sai (1) and Ama (3 months). She also shot a documentary about her life in the forest. 'We lived on food from the neighbouring village and whatever grew in the forest like jackfruit and coconut palm. We slept on the clay floor. I want to share this very special experience with the world,' she told ThePrint. When the lockdown ended, she realised it was time to renew her visa. On being asked why she did not, she said, 'I started losing people close to me and before I could recover, I lost my eldest son (from Andrew) in a bike accident in Goa. He was living in Goa by himself.' Her decision to stay in forests in Gokarna (Karnataka) for some time was influenced by his death. 'I needed to survive the death of my son. And my children and I chose a very spiritual place to live there for several months in nature, in harmony with it and accept what happened.' She was now settling in a routine life in the jungle. 'Often we get up together with the sun. We tidied up after sleep, washed ourselves, cooked, ate. Then we washed dishes and drew paintings. We sculpted from clay, sang or wrote. Some days we went to swim at the waterfall. Sometimes we walked to the plateau or village as desired,' she said. Living in a cave did not mean that they were completely cut off from the world outside. Kutina spent some time with her phone every day, catching up with friends and family. The children too watched cartoons and went to the bed right as the sun set. 'This is one of the feelings of a special happiness—a combination of fresh natural air, silence and the absence of electric light, which never happens in the village or in the city. We prepare clean linen, light oil lamps and incense sticks. We hug and tell each other how much we love each other. And we thank God, each other and everyone for the fact that we have such a wonderful life,' she said. Kutina said she wants to go back to that life. 'More than anything in the world, we want there to be peace on the earth and for people to stop destroying the planet they live on…and understand this world and live with it in harmony, realising themselves as a part of all this, and not as the owner.' (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: Karnataka govt's online betting ban draft bill skipped consultations with IT dept
Time of India
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
How a Russian woman survived 8 years in a cave in Karnataka: what she ate, how she lived, and why she chose the wild
Image: Agencies In a story that blurs the line between spiritual devotion and survival, a 40-year-old Russian woman named Nina Kutina, known locally as Mohi, was discovered living in a forest cave with her two daughters in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district. While many today dream of escaping the chaos of metro cities by moving to peaceful villages or serene farmhouses, Kutina took this yearning for simplicity to an extraordinary level. She chose not just quietude but complete detachment, retreating into a cave nestled in the Ramatirtha hills near the pilgrimage town of Gokarna. This cave served as their home, temple, classroom, and kitchen, part of an eight-year journey shaped by solitude and spiritual devotion. Arriving in India in 2016 on a business visa, she remained even after it expired in 2017, embracing Hindu philosophy and a lifestyle reminiscent of early human existence: close to nature, guided by sunlight, and stripped of modern conveniences. Russia to Ramatirtha: How she survived 8 years in the cave Kutina's survival wasn't accidental — it was the result of conscious planning and daily discipline. She made the forest her home, and the cave her shelter, relying on natural elements rather than modern amenities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo There was no electricity, no phone, no buzz. Yet for nearly a decade, she managed to live a structured, sustainable life with her daughters, building a world shaped by spiritual commitment and practical resilience. Even during the harsh monsoon season, she prepared in advance — stocking up on dry foods and organizing the cave with essential supplies. She adapted to the environment, using plastic sheets for bedding and firewood for cooking. Authorities noted the survival setup was organized: plastic sheets , rudimentary kitchen tools, and a space formatted for spiritual practice. What she ate and how she structured daily life Meals were simple and mostly non-perishable: rice, lentils, instant noodles and occasional fruits gathered locally. Water came from natural sources, and bathing was done in nearby waterfalls. Kutina spent each day in structured routines: yoga, mantra chanting, singing, painting, reading, and spiritual rituals. These activities replaced conventional schooling for her daughters, drawing on oral traditions and creative learning. The cave's interior was decorated with Russian-language books, Hindu idols, and images of deities like Rudra—reflecting Kutina's blend of spiritual devotion and cultural heritage. Though the region is known for venomous snakes, wildlife, and frequent landslides, Kutina maintained that she and her daughters felt safe. She famously described wild snakes as their 'friends,' claiming they never harmed her unless provoked. Authorities acknowledged surprise at how the family coexisted with nature unharmed. Discovered by chance, but not without a plan The family's reclusive life came to light only when local police, patrolling the area, noticed signs of habitation in the forest. Gokarna Sub Inspector Sridhar S R stated that Kutina maintained a disciplined, peaceful environment for her daughters. Superintendent of Police M Narayana confirmed that the woman had made careful preparations for survival during difficult weather, expressing surprise at their resilience in harsh monsoon conditions. Kutina's decision to live in the forest was not one of desperation but devotion. Her cave life was an expression of her embrace of Hindu beliefs, a break from the noise of the modern world, and a journey of spiritual and maternal purpose. Her story offers a rare and intimate look into a life of complete simplicity, built on faith, nature, and the human will to adapt give a different subheading for this article
