A Russian woman, who had been living in a cave near the coastal town of Gokarna, Karnataka, with her two children, was recently rescued by forest officials. The woman had reportedly overstayed her business visa, which expired in 2021. Had been residing in the forest area for nearly two years without proper documentation or basic living conditions.
Life in Seclusion
The woman came to India on a business visa a few years ago but faced financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. After running out of money, she moved from staying in rented accommodations to surviving in a natural cave, far from public view. Officials said she was discovered during a routine forest patrol after locals noticed unusual activity in the area.
When approached by authorities, the woman appeared malnourished and was accompanied by her two children, both under the age of 10. They had been living without access to sanitation, clean drinking water, or education. Food sources were scarce, and the family relied on natural resources and occasional help from strangers. Though no consistent local support has yet been confirmed.
The discovery sparked immediate concern from child protection and immigration authorities. The family was taken to a temporary shelter in Karwar. Where medical teams provided them with food, basic healthcare, and safety. Officials noted that the children had not been enrolled in any school and lacked formal identification or updated records.
Authorities have confirmed that legal action has been initiated against the woman for violating visa regulations. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) is handling the case. Deportation procedures are likely to follow once investigations are complete. The local police are also verifying if anyone knowingly assisted her in evading immigration laws.
The incident has left locals and tourists shocked. Especially considering Gokarna is a popular destination known for its beaches and temples. The fact that someone could live undetected for such a long time in a public yet remote area has raised questions about monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
Further updates on the legal proceedings and the future of the children are expected in the coming days.
