NATIONAL: Cave-Dwelling Russian Faces Deportation Drama in Karnataka
Karnataka High Court Intervenes
The Karnataka High Court, on July 23, 2025, issued a temporary stay on the deportation of Nina Kutina, a Russian national found living in a cave near Gokarna with her two daughters, aged 4 and 6. The decision, delivered by Justice S.Sunil Dutt Yadav, prioritizes the welfare of the children, citing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
Legal Concerns Over Documentation
The Assistant Solicitor General, representing the Union of India, informed the court that Kutina’s children lack valid travel or identity documents. The court deemed immediate deportation unreasonable, mandating a detailed investigation to ensure compliance with international child welfare standards.
Court’s Directive for Clarity
Justice Yadav ordered the central government to submit a formal affidavit within two weeks, confirming the absence of the children’s documentation. The court further stipulated that no deportation actions should proceed without prior notification, with the next hearing scheduled for August 18, 2025.
A Spiritual Sojourn in the Wild
Nina Kutina, who entered India on a business visa in 2016, was drawn to Hinduism and spiritual solitude. After overstaying her visa for nearly eight years, she settled in a makeshift cave dwelling in the Ramatirtha Hills, Uttara Kannada, where she lived for approximately two weeks.
Discovery by Local Authorities
On July 9, 2025, Gokarna police, during a routine patrol, discovered Kutina and her daughters in a cave adorned with Hindu deity paintings and sari curtains. The family, living off-grid, was relocated to a government care facility as legal proceedings commenced.
A Global Nomad’s Lifestyle
Kutina, aged 40, claimed to have lived in forests across 20 countries over the past 15 years, giving birth to her four children in caves. Her pursuit of a nature-centric, spiritual lifestyle has drawn attention, with her estranged Israeli partner now seeking custody of the children.
Ongoing Legal and Custodial Complexities
The case is further complicated by a petition from Dror Goldstein, the children’s father, requesting shared custody and opposing their deportation. The court’s focus remains on balancing immigration enforcement with the children’s best interests under international law.