A Russian woman who made global headlines after being found living in a cave in India with her two young daughters has flown back to her country, an official told the BBC.
Nina Kutina, 40, and her daughters, aged six and five, were rescued on 9 July by policemen during a routine patrol in a forest in Karnataka.
Ms. Kutina and her daughters had been sent to a foreigners' detention center, as she did not have valid documents to stay in India. The Karnataka High Court later ordered the federal government to issue the necessary travel documents for Ms. Kutina and her daughters to return home.
On 28 September, they left for Russia, alongside Ms. Kutina's son from another relationship, who had been found living in Goa.
The high-profile case included concerns raised by Dror Shlomo Goldstein, an Israeli businessman and the girls' alleged father, who sought custody and attempted to prevent their deportation. He expressed concerns over their well-being, but the court ruled in favor of their return.
Upon their discovery, the family was living in makeshift conditions with minimal supplies, and the police indicated that the mother believed they were safe in their forest dwelling. Reports noted Ms. Kutina claimed to prefer the company of animals over humans.
The court analyzed the circumstances surrounding the family’s living conditions and ultimately prioritized their safe return over custody disputes. The Russian embassy had provided an emergency travel window for Ms. Kutina and her daughters, leading to their recent departure back to their homeland.
While Mr. Goldstein has not publicly commented on the court’s ruling, he retains the option to appeal, although the nature of custody through legal channels remains complex.
The case has garnered significant media attention, shining a light on the intersection of parental rights, immigration laws, and the diverse lifestyles chosen by individuals worldwide.
