KARWAR: A Russian woman, along with her two young children, who had been living in a cave deep inside the Ramathirtha forest near Gokarna, was rescued by the police on July 9. It was not immediately known for how long she had been living in the cave.
The rescued are Mohi a.k.a Nina Kutina (40) and her children Prema (6) and Ama (4). She had come on a business visa to Goa from where she came to Gokarna and was living in a cave deep inside the forest. She was found by Gokarna Circle Police Inspector Sridhar and team who were patrolling the forest where there have been frequent landslides.
On the suggestion of Karwar Police Superintendent Narayana M, the woman was put in touch with a local NGO and sent to Bengaluru. The Russian embassy was also contacted and steps have been taken to send the woman and her children back to Russia.
Police said Mohi was spiritually inclined and was worshipping a small idol of Lord Rudra in the cave. She wanted to be close to nature and was living in the cave, in complete dark, along with her children, police sources said.
When questioned, the woman stated that she had come from Goa with her children, as she was interested in staying in the forest for “worshipping God and meditating”. Police noted that the cave was located in a landslide-prone area and surrounded by venomous wildlife, posing serious risks to the family. After explaining the dangers, the woman agreed to move.
She and her two young children were brought down safely from the cave on the hill. Then, as per her wish, she was safely delivered to the ashram of Yoga Ratna Saraswati Swamiji (80-year-old female Swamiji) associated with the NGO Shankara Prasad Foundation in Bankikodlu village of Kumta taluk under the protection of female police personnel.
Initially reluctant to disclose their identification, Kutina later revealed details to police, the Women & Child Welfare Department, and Swamiji, stating that their passports and visas had been lost. However, during a subsequent search of the cave and surrounding forest, police and forest department officials recovered the documents, revealing that her visa had expired on April 17, 2017.
Following the discovery, the Superintendent of Police, Karwar (Uttara Kannada), contacted the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Bengaluru. Necessary steps are now being taken to repatriate the woman and her children to Russia. They are currently under the care of the Women’s Reception Centre for their safety.
Authorities said the woman and her daughters will be presented before the FRRO in Shanthinagar, Bengaluru, on July 14, under the supervision of a female police officer for further legal action. (With agency inputs)
