Russian Woman’s Quest for Solitude in Indian Cave Ends in Custody; Family Drama Unfolds

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Local sources from India: Hindustan, republicbharat.com.
UK coverage: The Guardian.

In a remarkable story unfolding from the secluded forests of Gokarna, India, Nina Kutina, a 40-year-old Russian woman also known as Mohi, and her two daughters have been discovered living an unconventional life in a cave, embodying a profound connection with nature. Kutina, who has been in India since 2016, aimed to escape the trappings of modern society following personal tragedies, including the loss of her eldest son. Their peaceful existence, filled with painting, singing, and reading, was interrupted when they were discovered by the police during a patrol and subsequently removed due to the imminent dangers posed by the monsoon season. They are now placed in a shelter facing deportation due to the lack of valid documents. Kutina’s story, initially highlighted by Hindustan and Republic Bharat, uncovers layers of international intrigue and a tangled web of personal relationships against the backdrop of a spiritual journey.

Kutina, deeply influenced by Hinduism and India’s spiritual traditions, arrived in India on a business visa. She sought solitude and meditation in Gokarna, a journey that led her to live in a cave with her daughters. Her life took a dramatic turn when authorities, during an investigation, discovered her expired visa and the children’s undocumented status, leading to their current detention in Bengaluru. Adding complexity to Kutina’s narrative, it was revealed that the father of her children is an Israeli businessman, Dror Goldstein, with whom she had a relationship for approximately 7-8 years. The businessman, currently in India on a business visa, has been in contact with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) officials regarding the logistics of Kutina and her children’s deportation. The Russian consulate has also been informed, and discussions are ongoing with Goldstein about sponsoring their return tickets.

Further unfolding the family drama, Goldstein has come forward seeking joint custody of their daughters, pleading with Indian authorities not to deport them to Russia. He claims to have been denied access to his daughters and expresses a desire to offer them financial and emotional support. This plea came after a missing person report was filed by Goldstein following Kutina’s departure from Goa, where the family previously resided. Currently, Kutina and her daughters are held in a detention center in Tumkur, Karnataka, as authorities investigate their stay post visa expiration.

Kutina’s unique story sheds light on her disillusionment with society and her deep desire to connect with nature. Despite the legal and familial challenges she faces, her journey raises poignant questions about the essence of freedom, the complexities of international law, and the universal quest for a meaningful existence. As the situation unfolds, the outcomes for Kutina and her daughters remain uncertain, intertwined with bureaucratic, legal, and emotional considerations.