Gokarna: In a startling discovery deep within the forested hills of Gokarna, Karnataka, a 40-year-old Russian woman and her two young children were found living in isolation inside a natural cave. The woman, identified as Nina Kutina, also known by her spiritual name Mohi, had reportedly been residing there for nearly two weeks before being rescued by local police.
The rescue occurred during a routine patrol in the Ramatirtha hills of Kumta taluk in Uttara Kannada district. Officers, led by Circle Inspector Sridhar, were surveying the area following a minor landslide when they spotted clothes and sarees draped outside a hidden cave. Upon investigating, they discovered Kutina and her children, Preya (6) and Ama (4), living in seclusion amidst the dense jungle.
Authorities say Kutina had initially arrived in India several years ago on a business visa, which expired in 2017. Her journey allegedly took her from Goa to Gokarna. Embracing Hindu spiritual practices, she had transformed the cave into a rudimentary shrine, complete with a Rudra idol. She reportedly spent her days meditating and performing rituals, while surviving off the natural surroundings.
“The children appeared in reasonably good health despite the conditions,” said M Narayana, Superintendent of Police, Uttara Kannada. “It was a highly unusual situation, a foreign national and two small children living off the grid in such rough terrain.”
The police are still investigating how the family managed basic needs like food and water in the wilderness. After their discovery, Mohi and her children were moved to a temporary shelter at an ashram run by a local sadhvi in Gokarna. A local NGO has since coordinated with the Russian Embassy to initiate repatriation efforts. The family will reportedly be transferred to Bengaluru as part of the legal and deportation process.
While the reasons for Kutina’s prolonged undocumented stay remain unclear, the incident has raised questions about foreign nationals living under the radar in India.
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