From Moscow to the Mountains: Russian Woman Found Living in Karnataka Cave with Daughters After 8 Years Off-Grid
In an astonishing tale of solitude, spiritual conviction, and maternal resilience, a 40-year-old Russian woman named Nina Kutina, locally known as Mohi, has drawn national attention after being discovered living in a forest cave in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district. Her story blurs the lines between renunciation and survival, faith and fearlessness — a modern-day odyssey hidden deep within the Ramatirtha hills near the sacred coastal town of Gokarna.
A Life Chosen, Not Forced
At a time when many urban dwellers fantasize about escaping the relentless noise and stress of modern life, Kutina did more than just daydream. She chose complete detachment — not in a mountain retreat or quiet farmhouse, but in a natural cave deep in the forest, removed from civilization, electricity, and modern amenities.
Her cave served as a home, temple, school, and sanctuary for her and her two young daughters, ages six and five. She arrived in India on a business visa in 2016, which expired in 2017. Instead of returning home, she embraced the country’s spiritual culture, immersing herself in Hindu philosophy, and eventually disappearing into the wilds of Karnataka.
A Cave of Faith and Survival
Kutina lived for nearly eight years off the grid, relying entirely on natural elements and inner discipline. With no phone, no electricity, no modern comforts, she created a world governed by sunlight, simplicity, and spiritual devotion.
Her life in the forest wasn’t accidental or desperate — it was the result of meticulous planning and unwavering commitment. She learned to adapt: cooking with firewood or a small gas cylinder, sleeping on plastic sheets, and gathering dry goods in preparation for the punishing monsoons. She used natural water sources for drinking and bathed in nearby waterfalls.
The police found their cave well-organized, with modest household items, cooking vessels, and religious artifacts. Inside, Kutina had decorated the stone shelter with Hindu idols, images of deities like Rudra, and Russian-language books, reflecting her blend of Eastern faith and Slavic roots.
A Spiritual Routine as Education
Kutina’s daughters never went to a formal school. Instead, their daily lives revolved around a routine steeped in spiritual learning and creativity. Yoga, mantra chanting, painting, storytelling, and music filled their days. Her educational method was oral and experiential, shaped more by ancient traditions than by textbooks.
Despite the presence of dangerous wildlife, including venomous snakes and wild animals, Kutina maintained that she and her daughters felt safe. She famously told police that “the snakes are our friends. They don’t harm unless we harm them.” Police were stunned by how the trio managed to live peacefully in such conditions — through storms, landslides, and forest dangers.
A Life Hidden Until Discovered
Kutina’s isolated world came into the public eye only recently. On July 11, 2025, while patrolling for stranded tourists in landslide-prone areas, police in Kumta taluk spotted human footprints that led them to a cave nestled among dense trees and rocky terrain.
What they found was unexpected: a woman resting with one child, while another played outside. The cave’s entrance was covered with a plastic tarp, beneath which lived a family in near-total isolation. Kutina told officers that they had lived there for nearly two months, and in other forest regions since 2018.
Upon speaking with her, police learned that Kutina had given birth to both daughters in India, outside any medical system, with no official documentation. She had briefly left India for Nepal, then re-entered and went off the grid. She would visit nearby towns occasionally to buy groceries and charge her phone, but would always return to the cave.
The Father, Legal Disputes & Deportation
Adding another dimension to this remarkable story is the identity of the children’s father. Authorities confirmed that Brar Goldstien, an Israeli national, is the biological father of both girls. Goldstien, in statements to the media, claimed he had no contact with his daughters since October 2024, and that Kutina had denied him access.
He also revealed that Kutina had two sons from a previous relationship — one of whom died in October 2024, and the other had been under his care. Goldstien had even filed a complaint in December 2024, accusing her of physical assault, emotional manipulation, and financial coercion.
Following her discovery, Kutina and her children were moved to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) detention centre. Her passport, found near the cave, confirmed her identity. Authorities are now preparing to deport her to Russia, but the process is expected to be legally complex and financially burdensome.
There is little clarity on who will fund the family’s return, as both Indian and Russian authorities have yet to offer assistance. Meanwhile, Goldstien is seeking shared custody of the children, but custody proceedings could take months, given the lack of legal documents, the international scope, and the emotional complexity of the situation.
A Story That Challenges Norms
Nina Kutina’s story is not just about survival — it’s about spiritual pursuit, radical motherhood, and the limits of human endurance. Her life in a forest cave, where wild animals were companions and mantras replaced classrooms, invites deep reflection:
What do we truly need to live — is it comfort or conviction?
Can devotion and discipline really replace modern systems of support?
And what becomes of children born in the wilderness, outside the world of IDs, schools, and borders?
As she awaits deportation, the world watches — not with judgment, but with fascination. Nina Kutina may have lived far from society, but her story has pulled the global gaze into her humble cave of silence and strength.
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