Spiritual sojourn ends in rescue: Russian woman living with two daughters in forest cave rescued

 

By Sagaya Fernando | July 12, 2025

Gokarna, Karnataka, INDIA: In a startling discovery, a 40-year-old Russian woman and her two young daughters were found living inside a forest cave in the Ramteertha Hill area of Gokarna, Uttara Kannada district. The woman, identified as Nina Kutina, had been residing in a makeshift dwelling within the dense forest for several years in pursuit of spiritual solitude.

The incident came to light on July 9 around 5pm, when Inspector Sridhar S.R. and his team from the Gokarna Police Station were conducting a routine patrol in the landslide-prone Ramatirtha forest area to ensure the safety of tourists. During the patrol, they noticed movement near a cave and, upon closer inspection, found Nina living with her daughters—Prema (6 years, 7 months) and Ama (4 years).

According to the police, Nina had travelled from Goa to Gokarna several years ago and chose to live in isolation to meditate and escape the distractions of urban life. A small idol of Lord Rudra was also recovered from the cave, suggesting she had been performing daily prayers.

Authorities expressed serious concern over the safety of the children, given the treacherous terrain and the presence of wild animals and venomous snakes. The Ramatirtha Hill had witnessed a major landslide in July 2024, making the area particularly hazardous.

After repeated counselling, police were able to convince Nina to leave the cave. At her request, she was taken to an ashram in Bankikodla village, Kumta taluk, run by 80-year-old monk Swami Yogaratna Saraswati.

However, further investigations revealed visa violations. Initially hesitant to provide details about her travel documents, Nina eventually disclosed that her passport and visa might have been lost in the cave. A joint operation by the police and the Forest Department led to the recovery of her documents.

An examination of her records revealed that Nina had originally entered India on a business visa, which expired in April 2017. An exit permit was later issued in April 2018 by the FRRO in Panaji, Goa. She had exited to Nepal and reportedly re-entered India illegally via Goa in September 2018.

Following these revelations, Nina and her daughters were shifted to the Women’s Reception Centre in Karwar, operated by the Department of Women and Child Development. They are currently under protective custody.

The Uttara Kannada police have notified the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Bengaluru, initiating the process of deporting Nina and her daughters to Russia. The family is expected to be produced before FRRO authorities soon for further legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, child welfare officials are ensuring that the children receive appropriate care and support during the ongoing legal process, generate 

drawing for this news