Bengaluru: Police in India are working to unravel the circumstances surrounding a Russian woman, Nina Kutina, and her two young daughters, who were discovered living in a cave in Karnataka's Gokarna forest. The area, popular with tourists and known for its wildlife and landslide risks, was being patrolled by police when they encountered the family. Kutina, along with her daughters aged six and five, has been placed in a detention center for foreigners near Bengaluru and faces impending deportation due to a lack of valid documentation.

According to BBC, authorities have been coordinating with the Russian consulate to facilitate the family's return to Russia. Kutina, who claims to have not lived in Russia for 15 years, has been traveling through various countries, including Costa Rica and Ukraine. She has stated in interviews that she has four children, though only two were with her in the cave. One of her children reportedly died in a road accident, and another is currently in Russia. Indian officials have located the father of her daughters, an Israeli businessman named Dror Goldstein, who has expressed a desire for joint custody of the children.

The timeline of Kutina's presence in the forest remains unclear. She informed police that they had been in the cave for about a week, having arrived from Goa where she also claimed to have lived in a cave. Although she reported losing her passport, an expired one was found indicating a previous business visa. Kutina admitted her current visa had expired, attributing the oversight to mourning her deceased son. Despite the circumstances of their living conditions, Kutina described their cave life as fulfilling and health-promoting.

Kutina's motivations for living in the cave have been subject to speculation, particularly after an idol was found in her dwelling. However, she dismissed spiritual reasons, emphasizing a preference for nature and claiming her daughters were well cared for during their time there. With ongoing discussions about her deportation, the situation underscores the complexities of living undocumented in a foreign country and the challenges faced by those who choose alternative lifestyles.