A Russian woman who gained international attention after being discovered living in a cave in southern India with her two young daughters has returned to her home country.
Authorities confirmed that 40-year-old Nina Kutina and her daughters, aged six and five, left India for Russia on September 28, 2025, following a directive by the Karnataka High Court. The family had been rescued on July 9 by police patrolling near Ramteertha hills in Karnataka’s Gokarna forest.
From Cave to Court
Kutina and her daughters were initially placed in a detention centre after being found without valid documents. Their unusual living conditions — with only plastic mats, clothes, and instant noodles inside a leaking cave — raised global concern. Police reported that Kutina had resisted leaving, claiming that “animals and snakes are our friends. Humans are dangerous.”
The case reached the high court after Israeli businessman Dror Shlomo Goldstein, who identified himself as the father of the two girls, filed a petition seeking custody and objecting to their return to Russia. The court, however, dismissed his claims, noting that the family had been “inexplicably” found in isolation and that Goldstein had not adequately explained the circumstances.
Court’s Decision and Repatriation
The Karnataka High Court directed the federal government to provide travel documents for Kutina and her children. Court filings also revealed that Kutina had expressed her wish to return home in a letter to the Russian embassy, which arranged an emergency travel window between September 26 and October 9.
Kutina’s minor son, who was later traced to Goa, joined his mother and siblings on the journey back.
Next Steps
Goldstein has yet to comment publicly on the court order. While he retains the right to appeal, it remains uncertain whether any future ruling could alter the children’s relocation.
The case has sparked debate around child rights, unconventional lifestyles, and the responsibilities of governments in handling sensitive international custody disputes.
