Russian family lives in cave in India for years after visas expire
- Nina Kutina and her two daughters were found living in a forest cave, having resided there for over a week at the time of their discovery.
- Authorities noted that her visa had expired eight years earlier, raising questions about her legal status in India.
- Nina Kutina's case highlights the complexities surrounding immigration and the safety of families living off the grid.
In July 2022, police in Karnataka, India, discovered a Russian woman, Nina Kutina, and her two young daughters, ages six and four, living in a remote forest cave. The family had been living in isolation for an extended period, estimated to be over a week at the time of their discovery. The police were conducting routine patrols in Ramatirtha Hill, a popular tourist site, to ensure the safety of visitors when they encountered the family. Kutina's visa expired eight years prior, which raised concerns about her prolonged stay in the country without legal documentation. Nina Kutina defended her choice to live off the grid, asserting that her daughters were happy and healthy in their forest home. Reports indicate that despite the lack of conventional shelter and amenities, they had access to groceries from nearby villages, and Nina engaged her children with activities like painting, cooking, and outdoor exploration. She was previously a Russian language tutor in Goa and claimed to have traveled extensively, having lived in multiple countries prior to their exodus to the Indian wilderness. Living in such a secluded area presented challenges, especially since the region is known for its natural hazards, such as snakes and landslides during the rainy season. Nevertheless, Kutina expressed deep affection for nature and stated that she has not lived in Russia for 15 years. The police's interaction with Kutina revealed that she sent an emotional message to her friends, lamenting the end of their peaceful life in the cave. After their discovery, authorities took action to repatriate Kutina and her children, moving them to a detention facility designated for foreigners living illegally in India. There were discussions regarding the process required to return them to Russia, considering their lack of valid travel documents. With the complexities surrounding immigration and the rights of families, the incident sparked conversations on various topics ranging from expatriate living conditions to legal ramifications for overstaying visas. As local officials proceeded with the necessary paperwork and logistics to assist the family, other potential declarations of humanitarian or legal status were also considered.