Israeli Father Seeks Joint Custody of Daughters Found in Karnataka Cave, Opposes Their Deportation with Russian Mother
In a case that has sparked widespread public interest and legal debate, the Israeli father of two young girls who were recently rescued from a remote cave in Karnataka, where they had been living in isolation with their Russian mother, has stepped forward to oppose the children’s deportation to Russia and to seek shared custody.
Brar Goldstien, 38, who claims to be the biological father of the two girls, made a public appeal on Wednesday urging Indian authorities to reconsider plans to deport his daughters along with their mother, Nina Kutina, 40.
The girls were found earlier this month living in seclusion with Kutina in the forests of the Uttara Kannada district, drawing both humanitarian and legal attention to their well-being and upbringing. #CustodyBattle #ChildWelfare
“I Want to Be a Father to My Daughters Too”
Speaking alongside his legal representative, Goldstien expressed deep concern over the girls’ welfare and their right to access education, healthcare, and a social life—opportunities that he alleges were denied by their mother.
“It is true that the children should have their mother. But being their father, I want to spend time with them too. They deserve both parents,” he said.
Goldstien claimed that Kutina had prevented him from contacting or meeting their daughters since October 2024, raising questions about the nature of their co-parenting relationship and her intentions.
Allegations of Isolation, Abuse, and Financial Exploitation
In a detailed complaint filed at the Panaji Police Station in Goa last December, Goldstien recounted the evolution of his relationship with Kutina, which he says began in 2017. At that time, Kutina was already a mother to two sons from a previous relationship.
Goldstein says he cared for the boys as his own, but things began to deteriorate due to what he describes as physical abuse, psychological manipulation, and financial exploitation by Kutina.
“She started using abusive language, showed violent behavior, and would physically assault me over minor issues,” the complaint reads.
He further alleged that Kutina manipulated him into sending money for personal expenses, including building a house and supporting her mother in Russia.
Over time, Goldstein says he came to feel used “only for money purposes” and began distancing himself, a decision that ultimately led to him being cut off from his daughters.
Custody and Legal Access Denied
According to Goldstein, his efforts to reconnect with his children have been met with rejection. He claims that despite visiting the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on two occasions to request access to his daughters, he was refused both times.
This, he said, has left him deeply distressed and concerned for their future.
Notably, the older daughter was born in Ukraine, while the younger was born in India, making the case further complex in terms of jurisdiction and citizenship.
Discovery of Kutina and Daughters in the Karnataka Cave
Earlier this month, authorities were alerted to the presence of a foreign national living in a cave in Karnataka with two minor children. When officials reached the remote site, they found Kutina and her daughters surviving in isolation, without formal schooling or medical care.
She was subsequently taken into custody for overstaying her visa, and the family was handed over to the FRRO, which initiated proceedings for her deportation to Russia. #KarnatakaCaveCase #ChildProtection
Kutina’s Background and Family Tragedy
Goldstein also revealed that Kutina had two sons from a prior relationship, one of whom tragically passed away in an accident in October 2024. He says he was caring for the surviving boy during the time of her disappearance and alleges that she initially invited him to live as a family, only to later alienate him from the children altogether.
He accused Kutina of emotional volatility, mood swings, and a pattern of controlling behavior, both towards him and the children. These allegations, if proven, could play a significant role in any potential custody hearing or child protection review.
A Plea for Balanced Parenting
With deportation proceedings underway, Goldstien is petitioning Indian authorities to ensure that the children are not sent away without consideration for his legal and emotional stake in their lives. He has urged a thorough investigation into the family’s history, as well as psychological assessments for the children, before any irreversible decision is made.
“I’m not asking to take the children away from their mother. I only want to be part of their life, help raise them, and ensure they grow up in a healthy and supportive environment,” he said. #ParentalRights
