Latest news with #Kutina
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Clarify stance on deportation of woman, kids found in cave'
Bengaluru: The Karnataka high court has directed the Union government to clarify its stand on the possible deportation of a Russian woman and her two children, who were found living in a cave in Gokarna, by the local police earlier this month. 'Clarify stance on deportation of woman, kids found in cave' On July 23, Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav said the Centre must take a clear stand on whether the woman's two minor daughters have valid travel documents and proof of birth, and if they can be deported. The judge granted the government two weeks to clarify its stand and said it must inform the court if any decision on deportation is taken before the next hearing. The court was hearing a petition filed by Dror Shlomo Goldstein, the estranged husband of the Russian woman, Nina Kutina, and the father of the two girls, seeking directions to the Centre to not deport her minor daughters Prema and Ama from India to 'any other country.' The petitioner has also urged the court to release his daughters from the detention centre, where they have been residing after they were rescued by the local police, and to hand over their custody to him. Additional Solicitor General of India, Arvind Kamath, who appeared for the Union government, told the court that Ama did not have any travel documents or proof of birth and the question of deportation will be considered by the government only after a clear stand is taken regarding the travel documents. The law officer also told the court that at present, the central authorities had merely restricted the movement of the girls and their mother and that the three of them were safe at the detention centre. He added that the petitioner's apprehension over his daughters being 'suddenly deported' was premature and unreasonable. The court recorded the government's submissions and granted it two weeks to 'take their stand in writing.' It posted the matter on August 18. Kutina and her daughters were found living in a cave in the Ramatirtha hills in Uttar Kannada district's Gokarna earlier this month during a routine inspection of the area by the police. Police maintained that Kutina has overstayed her visa in India by eight years.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
No immediate deportation of Russian woman found in cave: Karnataka high court
This is a representative AI image (Pic credit: Lexica) BENGALURU: The Karnataka high court has ruled out immediate deportation of Nina Kutina, a 40-year-old Russian national found living in a cave in Kumta taluk along with her two minor daughters. The court said the question of deportation will arise only after a decision is taken on the travel documents of the younger child. Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav made the observation while adjourning the hearing on a petition filed by Dror Shlomo Goldstein, an Israeli national and father of the two girls. Goldstein has sought directions to prevent deportation of his daughters — Prema Sai Kutina and Ama Kutina — from India. The family came into the spotlight after officials found Kutina and her children living in a cave in Uttara Kannada district. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru The circumstances of their stay and the lack of valid travel or identity documents prompted intervention by authorities. During the hearing, Arvind Kamath, additional solicitor general of India representing the Union government, told the court that the younger child, Ama, has no documentation to prove her birth or any travel papers. In light of this, Kamath submitted that the petitioner's apprehension regarding imminent deportation was not justified at present. He added that the deportation question would arise only after a decision on the child's documentation status. Taking this into account, the court granted authorities two weeks to submit their position in writing. The matter has been posted to Aug 18. Justice Yadav clarified if any proposal for deportation emerges before the next hearing, the respondents are at liberty to approach the court. Partner to seek legal option to meet them Before the matter reached the high court, Kutina's case came to light following an unusual discovery on July 11, when a minor landslide on Gokarna's Ramatirtha Hills prompted local police to conduct a safety inspection. Officials found Kutina living in a cave with Prema and Ama. The family had reportedly been living in isolation for nearly three weeks. Kutina, who has been in India since 2017, initially entered on a business visa. After briefly travelling to Nepal in 2018 to obtain an exit permit, she returned to India and eventually chose to live a secluded life in the forests of Gokarna. Goldstein, an Israeli musician and Kutina's former partner, rushed to India after learning about the incident. Goldstein, the father of both children, said he was unaware they were living in a cave. "By the time I got there, they had already left," he had said. The family had been moved by authorities to the Foreigners Detention Centre (FDC) in Tumakuru. Goldstein, who had been in a relationship with Kutina since meeting her in Goa in 2017, claimed to have visited his daughters in India regularly even after their separation. He had attempted to see them at the detention centre, but officials denied permission, citing the absence of formal nod from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Although Goldstein expressed interest in taking his daughters to Israel, he said he would not do so without Kutina's consent. He had told reporters at the time that he would pursue legal avenues to gain visitation rights.
India Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
High Court halts deportation of Russian woman, her children found in Gokarna cave
The Karnataka High Court has stayed the deportation of the Russian woman and her children, who were recently found living in a cave in Gokarna, citing the need to prioritise their best interests as mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).The court's interim order puts a temporary halt on any unilateral action by decision of Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav came during the hearing of a writ petition that was filed to challenge a sudden deportation order issued against the children. The petitioner, represented by advocate Beena Pillai, argued that the deportation process disregarded the children's welfare and violated UNCRC petition was filed on behalf of Kutina's daughter, Prema (6) and Ama (4), who were rescued last week along with their mother by the Gokarna police during a routine patrol in the remote, landslide-prone Ramatirtha Hills. The family had been living in isolation, reportedly as part of Kutina's spiritual journey, when officials discovered them. During the hearing, the Assistant Solicitor General appeared for the Union of India, while Advocate Beena Pillai represented the petitioner. The court noted that a detailed hearing is required in the matter. Based on the Centre's submission that the children do not currently possess valid travel documents, the court said the fear of immediate deportation is not reasonable at this directed the Centre to file its objections in writing within two weeks and made it clear that no deportation steps can be taken without first approaching the bench. Deportation, if any, cannot proceed without prior intimation to the court until the next hearing on August 18, had originally entered India on a business visa in 2016, which expired in 2017. Authorities say she re-entered India in 2018 after travelling to Nepal, and that multiple visa violations have since occurred. Her passport was recovered during a joint search operation by the police and forest the rescue, the family was shifted first to an ashram and later to a government women's shelter in Karwar.- EndsTune InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
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First Post
6 days ago
- First Post
Why Karnataka High Court halted the deportation of the Russian woman found in Gokarna cave
The Karnataka High Court halted the deportation of Nina Kutina, the Russian woman who was found living in a cave near Gokarna with her two young daughters. The court said that such a move could potentially 'endanger the children and their welfare'. The 40-year-old woman, who overstayed her visa for years, says she sought 'spiritual solitude' in the 'big, beautiful cave' read more Kutina, who had overstayed her Indian visa by several years, told authorities she had chosen a life of 'spiritual solitude' in the jungle. The deportation of her and her daughters was temporarily halted by Karnataka High Court. Image courtesy: News18 Karnataka High Court has put a stop to the deportation of Nina Kutina, the Russian woman who was recently found living with her two young daughters in a cave near Gokarna. The family had been staying deep within the jungles of Ramatirtha hills. During a routine patrol earlier this month, police came across the woman and her children, who had been living off-grid for weeks. Kutina, who had overstayed her Indian visa by several years, told authorities she had chosen a life of 'spiritual solitude' in the jungle. The discovery quickly drew attention both in India and abroad and made headlines. Once officials brought the family down from the hills, they began deportation proceedings citing the long-expired visa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the Karnataka High Court's decision to halt their deportation has added a new turn to the case. Here's what happenend Why has the High Court stopped Kutina's deportation On Wednesday, the Karnataka High Court put a temporary hold on the deportation of Nina Kutina, stating that such a move could potentially 'endanger the children and their welfare.' The decision came in response to a writ petition challenging the deportation order. Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav, who is hearing the case, took note of the concerns raised by Kutina's lawyer, Beena Pillai. She argued that the authorities had overlooked the children's rights, particularly under international law. Referring to Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Pillai told the court that 'the best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children.' The judge agreed that this principle must be considered before any action is taken, and stated that re-evaluating the deportation was 'in the best interest of both the children.' Inside the cave, the 'spiritually inclined' Russian woman had kept a Rudra idol, Russian books, and photos of Hindu deities. Police found her during a routine patrol. Image courtesy: X The assistant solicitor general, representing the Union of India, also informed the court that the children do not currently have valid travel or identity documents. The court observed that without proper paperwork, deporting them would be unreasonable. It has now directed the government to file a formal affidavit confirming the lack of documents and to submit any objections within two weeks. Until then, the court made it clear that no deportation should take place without its permission. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The matter will next be heard on August 18. Kutina's 'spiritual' life in the forests On 9 July, police on routine patrol in the forests of Uttara Kannada district stumbled upon a curtain of red saris hanging between trees, an unusual sight in the deep jungles. Moving closer, they realised it was covering the entrance of a cave. A statue of a Hindu god, scattered belongings, were found, and eventually, a blonde child emerged. Moments later, officers discovered Nina Kutina asleep inside the cave with her younger daughter. Police believe Kutina had been staying there for at least a week at the time, and had spent several stints living in the cave over the past nine months. When questioned, Kutina told the officers she had moved into the cave in search of 'spiritual solitude and to live closer to nature.' 'We woke up with the sun, swam in rivers and lived in nature. I cooked on a fire or gas cylinder, depending on the season, and got groceries from a nearby village. We painted, sang songs, read books and lived peacefully,' she told the media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the rainy season, the family lived with minimal clothing and relied mostly on daylight. Although they had candles, they rarely used them, Gokarna police Sub Inspector Sridhar S R told The Indian Express. She dismissed concerns about the risks of living in the forest, especially during monsoon season. Kutina reportedly told police that 'animals and snakes are our friends' and that she only feared human beings, not the jungle. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite her protests, police removed the family from the cave and took them back to the nearby town. Kutina underwent a hospital check-up, and the children were placed in a shelter. M Narayana, Superintendent of Police, later described her as 'deeply disillusioned with human society, yet still compassionate and spiritually grounded.' After being relocated, Kutina messaged a friend about her feelings, writing that they had been taken from their 'big and beautiful cave' and 'placed in a prison without sky, without grass, without a waterfall, with an icy hard floor on which we now sleep for 'protection from rain and snakes'…. Once again, evil has won.' Who is Nina Kutina & how did she come to India? Nina Kutina, a Russian national, first arrived in India in 2016 on a business visa. That visa expired a year later, but instead of returning home, she chose to stay back after becoming involved with spiritual communities in Goa. In 2017, she began a relationship with an Israeli man, Dror Goldstein. The following year, after overstaying her visa, Kutina was deported to Russia. She then travelled to Ukraine, where she gave birth to her first daughter. Kutina already had two sons from a previous relationship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By 2020, she was back in India. She reunited with Goldstein in Goa, and the couple had another daughter. During this period, Kutina supported herself by teaching art and languages. However, Goldstein says their relationship eventually broke down. According to him, Kutina began to withdraw and would often disappear for long periods with the children. VIDEO | Dror, father of Russian woman Nina Kutina's kids, who was discovered living with her two daughters in a secluded cave near Gokarna, Karnataka said, "Nina's visa expired a few months ago. My next step is to return to Bengaluru and discuss the matter with my lawyer… — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 17, 2025 The situation worsened in October last year when Kutina's eldest son, aged 21, died in a motorcycle accident in India. Following this personal tragedy, she became more withdrawn. Goldstein told the media that although he continued to send her a 'good amount' of money each month, she cut off communication. He returned from Nepal after renewing his visa only to find that Kutina and their daughters had vanished. In December, he filed a police complaint but heard nothing for months, until reports of their discovery in a Gokarna cave surfaced this July. Kutina has since said there were 'many complicated reasons' behind her decision to remain in India without valid documents. 'First, there were multiple personal losses – not just the death of my son, but also a few other close people. We were constantly dealing with grief, paperwork and other problems,' she said. She also claimed that her son's ashes were among the belongings taken from the cave after their removal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With the court halting her deportation for now, the future of this complex case remains uncertain. With input from agencies
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
What made Karnataka HC halt Russian woman Nina Kutina's deportation after she was found living in Gokarna caves
On Wednesday, the Karnataka High Court ordered a stay on the deportation of Nina Kutina, a Russian national who was discovered earlier this month living in a forest cave in Gokarna with her two daughters. The case was heard by Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav, who said the decision to deport could 'endanger the children and their welfare.' The court was responding to a writ petition filed against the deportation order. Kutina's lawyer, Beena Pillai, argued that the process overlooked the children's rights under international law. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MBA Leadership Healthcare Management Others Data Analytics Product Management Artificial Intelligence CXO PGDM Digital Marketing Technology Cybersecurity healthcare Data Science others MCA Project Management Finance Data Science Public Policy Degree Design Thinking Operations Management Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details She pointed to Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which states: 'The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pennsylvania: These Walk In Tubs Are Cheap (See Prices) Walk In Tub Discounts Undo Taking this into account, the court said that reconsidering the deportation was 'in the best interest of both the children.' No valid documents but no immediate deportation During the hearing, the Assistant Solicitor General, appearing for the Union of India, admitted that the children did not possess valid travel or identity documents. Live Events The court noted that, without proper paperwork, any move to deport the children was unreasonable at this stage. It has now asked the government to file a formal affidavit confirming the absence of documents and to submit objections within two weeks. Until then, it made one point clear: no deportation can be carried out without the court being informed. The next hearing is scheduled for 18 August. Found in a forest cave On 9 July, police discovered Kutina and her daughters Preya, aged 6, and Ama, aged 4, living in a cave on Ramatirtha Hill in the Uttara Kannada district. Officers on patrol noticed a curtain of red saris draped over trees. Behind it, they found a small cave, a statue of a Hindu god, scattered clothes, and eventually, a child. They were stunned to find Kutina inside, asleep with her second child by her side. According to police, she had been living there for at least a week. She later admitted that she had stayed in the cave on and off for the past nine months. Her visa had expired eight years ago. Who is Nina Kutina and why is she living in the forest? Kutina told police she had moved to the cave for 'spiritual solitude and to live closer to nature.' 'We woke up with the sun, swam in rivers and lived in nature,' she said in interviews published by Indian media. 'I cooked on a fire or gas cylinder, depending on the season, and got groceries from a nearby village. We painted, sang songs, read books and lived peacefully.' Despite warnings that the area was unsafe during the monsoon, Kutina resisted. She told police: 'Animals and snakes are our friends. It is only humans who are dangerous.' Still, she was taken for a medical check-up and placed with her children in a government shelter in Tumakuru. She later messaged a friend saying they had been 'placed in a prison without sky, without grass, without a waterfall, with an icy hard floor on which we now sleep for 'protection from rain and snakes'... Once again, evil has won.' Kutina first arrived in India in 2016 and spent time at Arambol Beach in Goa. She later entered a relationship with Israeli national Dror Goldstein. She overstayed her visa and was deported in 2018. She travelled to Ukraine and gave birth to her first daughter. She already had two older sons from a previous relationship. By 2020, she was back in India. Kutina reunited with Goldstein and had another child. During this time, she made a living teaching art and languages. But Goldstein claims the relationship fell apart. He said she began disappearing with the children. In 2023, her 21-year-old son died in a motorbike crash. Goldstein, who was in Nepal renewing his visa, returned to find Kutina and the girls missing. He filed a police complaint in Goa that December. In it, he accused Kutina of 'brainwashing his children and keeping them away from him.' He also said: 'The Russian woman began to use me for money and often subjected me to physical and verbal abuse.' For now, Kutina remains in India, under the care of state authorities. The legal battle over her immigration status and her daughters' custody continues. When asked why she stayed in the country without documents, she replied: 'There were many complicated reasons. First, there were multiple personal losses – not just the death of my son, but also a few other close people. We were constantly dealing with grief, paperwork and other problems.' Among her belongings taken from the cave, she claimed, were her son's ashes. The court has pressed pause, but the story is far from over.
