Russian Woman Living in Gokarna Cave With Daughters Says ‘We Love Nature’, Denies Danger or Distress

Nina Kutina, a Russian national recently discovered living with her two daughters in a cave near the Ramateertha hills in Karnataka’s Gokarna, has defended her unconventional lifestyle, saying they chose it out of a love for nature, not desperation.

“We have lived in the forests of nearly 20 countries. We were not in danger and my children were very happy,” Nina told ANI, responding to the growing public attention around her case. “We have a lot of experience living in nature. I didn’t bring my kids to die in the jungle,” she added.

Her story sparked widespread curiosity after police stumbled upon the family during a routine inspection following a landslide. Officials spotted sarees and other clothes drying outside a cave and found the woman and her children inside.

Contrary to assumptions of isolation, Nina clarified that the cave was close to a village and accessible. “It was not a big forest far from civilization. We could buy food, the cave was beautiful and spacious,” she said.

Describing their daily life, she mentioned swimming in a nearby waterfall and eating simple meals. “My kids were not starving… we used to swim in the waterfall, sleep on plastic sheets and cook instant food,” she said.

Visa Controversy

Nina reportedly came to India in 2016 on a business visa, which officials say expired in 2017. However, she disputes that timeline. “Yes, our visa is no longer valid, but it didn’t expire long ago,” she claimed. “After 2017, we were in four other countries before returning to India.”

Authorities Investigate

Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police M. Narayana confirmed that the family was found during patrols in the Ramateertha Hill area. “Our team noticed clothes drying outside a cave. Upon checking, they found the woman and her children living there,” he said.

Police were surprised that the family had managed to survive in such conditions for an extended period.

Authorities are now investigating the visa status and the family’s legal standing in India, while the case continues to draw public attention for its mix of mystery, survival, and alternative living.