Gokarna (Karnataka) [India], July 13 (HBTV): A Russian-origin woman and her two young daughters were rescued from a dangerous cave in the forested Ramatirtha Hill area of Gokarna on July 9, after police found them living in hazardous conditions. Authorities later confirmed that the woman, identified as Nina Kutina (40), had overstayed her visa by more than eight years.

According to Gokarna police, on July 9 at around 5:00 PM, a team from the Gokarna police station, while patrolling the Ramatirtha Hill to ensure tourist safety, inspected a cave within the forest area. There, they discovered Nina Kutina living with her daughters, Kumari Prema (6 years and 7 months) and Kumari Ama (4 years).

Upon questioning, the woman told police that she had travelled from Goa with her children to live in the forest for the purpose of ‘worshipping God and meditating’.

Police officials noted that the cave was located in a landslide-prone zone and surrounded by venomous wildlife, posing a serious threat to the safety of the family. After being informed of the risks, Kutina agreed to relocate.

She and her daughters were brought down safely and, at her request, were escorted to the ashram of Yoga Ratna Saraswati Swamiji, an 80-year-old female ascetic affiliated with the NGO Shankara Prasad Foundation in Bankikodlu village of Kumta taluk. Female police personnel accompanied them during the transfer.

Initially hesitant to disclose her identity, Kutina later informed the police, the Women and Child Welfare Department, and Swamiji that she had lost her passport and visa. However, a subsequent search of the cave and surrounding forest area by police and forest officials led to the recovery of the documents, which revealed that her visa had expired on April 17, 2017.

Following this discovery, the Superintendent of Police, Karwar (Uttara Kannada), contacted the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Bengaluru. Authorities have initiated the necessary steps for the repatriation of the woman and her children to Russia. The family is currently under the care of the Women's Reception Centre for safety.

The woman and her daughters are scheduled to be presented before the FRRO in Shanthinagar, Bengaluru, on July 14, under the supervision of a female police officer, for further legal action.

(ANI)