A Russian woman and her two young daughters were found living in a cave deep in the forests of southern India, years after her travel documents expired, according to local authorities.
Nina Kutina, 40, and her daughters, aged six and four, were discovered while inspectors were patrolling Ramatirtha Hill – a landslide-prone tourist site – on July 9.
It is believed that they had been living in the cave for years, with Ms Kutina’s visa having expired almost a decade ago.
The mother claims that her family had lived in four countries before they went to India in 2017.
She did not reveal whether her children were born in India or Russia, but she told authorities she had a son who died in Goa.
Ms Kutina defended her decision to live off the grid with her daughters in an interview with India’s ANI news agency, describing a life of swimming in waterfalls, painting and doing pottery.
“We have big experience to stay in nature, in jungle. We were not dying. I did not bring my daughters to die in jungle.
“They did not feel bad. They were very happy,” she said.
Police said they “have to follow procedure,” despite Ms Kutina not wanting to leave the cave.
“Going (into) caves is a dangerous thing, and with two children, and to live there for a week or more is astonishing,” an officer added.
Officials are taking steps to repatriate Ms Kutina and her children, who do not have passports. They have been moved to a nearby detention facility specifically for foreigners illegally in India.
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