Local sources from India: Hindustan, Amar Ujala.
UK coverage: ITVX.
In a surprising development from Karnataka’s Gokarna area, a Russian woman, Nina Kutina, aged 40, known also as Mohi, and her two daughters, aged six and four, were found living in a cave, leading to an international tale of love, spirituality, and legal entanglements. Kutina, who ventured into India in 2017 on a business visa, sought a life intertwined with nature and Hindu spiritual traditions, a choice that led her to the secluded life in a cave on Ramatirtha Hill, a site known for its scenic beauty but also its vulnerability to landslides.
The saga took a turn as investigations revealed Kutina had a relationship with an Israeli businessman, identified as Goldstein, the father of her children. The couple’s story traces back to Goa, where they met around eight years ago, and their journey spanned across India and Ukraine before taking divergent paths. Kutina’s visa expired in 2017, and despite her attempts to stay under the radar, the family was discovered by inspectors patrolling the tourist site on July 9.
Now in a detention facility in Bangalore, Karnataka, Kutina and her daughters face deportation back to Russia. The revelation of the children’s father has prompted officials to engage in discussions about the family’s future, with the Israeli businessman expressing a desire for joint custody and opposing the deportation to Russia. Goldstein, who had been out of contact with Kutina following her departure from Goa four years ago, has filed a missing person report in the past and has recently been reconnected with his daughters in Gokarna.
While Kutina claims a life of simplicity and spiritual fulfillment in Gokarna, authorities are navigating the complexities of international law, child welfare, and the intricate personal histories of those involved. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and the Russian consulate are coordinating to facilitate the deportation process, which is expected to take about a month.
This case highlights not only the legal implications of overstaying one’s visa but also the broader issues of cross-cultural relationships, the quest for spiritual peace, and the challenges of parenting across borders. As the authorities work towards a resolution, the welfare of Kutina’s children remains a priority, with the involvement of the Child Welfare Committee to ensure their safety and rights are protected amidst the unfolding legal and diplomatic proceedings.
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