Gokarna, Karnataka — July 13, 2025: In an unusual and moving discovery, a 40-year-old Russian woman and her two young daughters were found living in a natural cave in the Ramateertha hills of Gokarna, a spiritual coastal town in Karnataka. The woman, identified as Nina Kutina, who also goes by the name Mohi, had been residing in near-total isolation for almost two weeks, surviving on minimal supplies and immersing herself in meditation and Hindu rituals.
What has captured the attention of locals and officials alike is not just the fact that the family was living off the grid—but that Nina had overstayed her business visa, which expired in 2017, making her presence in India unlawful.
From Goa to Gokarna: A Journey into Solitude
According to police sources, Nina travelled from Goa to Gokarna with her daughters, Preya (6) and Ama (4), seeking spiritual solace. Known for its serene beaches and meditative atmosphere, Gokarna has long attracted global spiritual seekers. But Nina took it one step further—turning a cave in the forested Ramateertha Hills into her makeshift home and temple.
Inside the cave, officials found a Rudra idol, indicating that she had created a personal sanctuary for prayer and meditation. She had reportedly been living a minimalist lifestyle, sleeping on plastic sheets and eating instant noodles to feed herself and her children.
How the Family Was Found
The discovery was made on Friday, when a police patrolling team led by Inspector Sridhar spotted clothes hanging out to dry on a rocky outcrop. Curious, the team navigated through dense shrubs and treacherous terrain, only to stumble upon the woman and her daughters in the cave.
“Our patrolling team noticed sarees and other clothes drying outside the cave. When they went closer, they found Nina along with her two children,” said Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police, M Narayana.
Nina initially claimed she had lost her passport and visa documents in the forest. However, the officials later recovered the documents hidden near the cave site, confirming her long-expired visa status.
A Life Hidden, Yet Peaceful
What makes Nina’s case both troubling and fascinating is the balance between spiritual intent and legal violation. Officials expressed astonishment at how the family managed to survive in the wilderness without injury or illness, especially with two small children in tow.
“It was quite surprising how she and her children survived in the woods. Thankfully, nothing untoward happened during their time in the forest,” said SP Narayana.
Nina explained that she had been practicing Hindu spiritual rituals and meditation, with the cave serving as her peaceful refuge.
Legal Action and Next Steps
Following the discovery, local authorities moved the family to a nearby ashram for temporary shelter. Given her expired visa, officials have initiated the deportation process.
“We are transferring her from Gokarna to Bengaluru, where the deportation process will be carried out through the proper diplomatic channels,” the SP added.
It remains unclear how Nina had been supporting herself financially or how she had remained undetected for so long, especially since her visa expired eight years ago.
A Broader Concern
This incident also raises questions about monitoring foreign nationals in India, especially those who overstay their visas. While India continues to be a welcoming destination for spiritual seekers and global travelers, such cases highlight the need for stronger immigration checks and follow-up mechanisms.
For now, officials are focusing on the safety and well-being of Nina’s children as the legal process unfolds.
In the silence of a Gokarna forest, a woman’s quest for spiritual fulfillment came at the cost of legality and basic safety. While her dedication to her beliefs may be admirable to some, overstaying a visa and living off-grid with children in wilderness conditions has triggered concern—and now, deportation proceedings.
As authorities proceed with the necessary legal steps, the story of Nina Kutina, her daughters, and their cave-dwelling life in Gokarna remains a poignant tale of spiritual pursuit clashing with reality.
