US man arrested for entering Sentinelese territory in Andamans, tribe fiercely defends isolation

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Andaman and Nicobar Police arrested a US national for allegedly entering the prohibited tribal reserve area of the North Sentinel Island.

Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov (24), arrested on March 31, had allegedly entered the North Sentinel Island without any authorisation. According to the police, a 'GoPro' camera has been seized from the suspect and its video footage has confirmed his visit to the restricted North Sentinel Island.

The purpose of his visit remains unclear. During questioning, he told the police that he was a "thrill seeker" and had previously travelled to Afghanistan to meet members of the Taliban.

North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese tribe, considered to be the world's most isolated.

The police have gathered information about his multiple visits to the islands. On his first trip, Polyakov arrived in India on October 18, 2024, and attempted to conduct reconnaissance of North Sentinel Island using an inflatable kayak, but was stopped by hotel staff.

On his second visit in January 2025, he tried to acquire an outboard motor for his boat. "He visited the Baratang Islands, illegally filmed the Jarawa tribe, and explored various areas in Port Blair before departing on January 27," a senior officer said.

On his third visit on March 26, the suspect arrived in Port Blair with an inflatable boat and Suzuki outboard motor. "He assembled the motor at a local workshop, purchased fuel, and checked into a resort on March 27. He conducted research on sea conditions, tides, and accessibility from Kurma Dera Beach, planning his journey meticulously," the FIR filed against him states.

He launched his boat from Kurma Dera Beach around 1 am on March 29, carrying a coconut and Diet Coke cans as offerings for the Sentinelese, an indigenous tribe that inhabits North Sentinel Island. By 10 am, he had reached the northeastern shore of North Sentinel Island. Using binoculars, he surveyed the area but saw no signs of inhabitants. He left the offerings on the shore, collected sand samples, and recorded a video before returning to his boat.

Polyakov remained offshore for an hour, blowing a whistle to attract attention, but received no response. At 1 pm, he began his journey back and arrived at Kurma Dera Beach by 7 pm. The police have notified the US embassy and the Ministry of External Affairs about his arrest.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has implemented strict measures to protect the Sentinelese, who are known for fiercely defending their isolation. In 2018, an American missionary, John Allen Chau, was killed by the tribe after attempting to make contact with them.