Discovery of a Family in a Cave

A Russian woman, Nina Kutina, and her two young daughters were discovered living in a cave on Ramatirtha Hill in Gokarna, Karnataka. The Gokarna police, led by Inspector Sridhar SR, found the family during a routine patrol aimed at ensuring tourist safety. The cave was located in a remote and hazardous area prone to landslides and inhabited by dangerous wildlife.

Seeking Solitude for Spiritual Reasons

Nina Kutina, aged 40, explained to the authorities that she had traveled from Goa to Gokarna seeking spiritual solitude. Her intention was to meditate and pray away from the distractions of urban life. Despite her spiritual goals, the police were concerned about the safety of her daughters, Prema (6 years, 7 months) and Ama (4 years), in such a perilous environment.

Rescue and Relocation Efforts

After counseling Nina about the dangers of their living conditions, the police successfully escorted the family down the hill. At Nina’s request, they were relocated to an ashram in Bankikodla village, run by Swami Yogaratna Saraswati, an 80-year-old female monk.

Visa Issues and Legal Proceedings

Further investigation revealed that Nina was hesitant to discuss her passport and visa status. With gentle persuasion from police and welfare officers, she disclosed that her documents might have been lost in the cave. A joint search by Gokarna Police and Forest Department officials led to the recovery of her passport and visa. It was discovered that Nina had overstayed her Business Visa, which expired in April 2017.

Protective Custody and Future Actions

Due to the visa violation, Nina and her daughters were placed in protective custody at the Women’s Reception Centre in Karwar. The Superintendent of Police, Uttara Kannada, has initiated communication with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Bengaluru to arrange for their deportation back to Russia. The family is set to appear before FRRO authorities for further proceedings.