The Sentinelese tribe of South Andaman. | Image Credits: Twitter/@paganpages

Port Blair: A US tourist on an adventure trip to Andaman islands, was allegedly killed by the protected Sentinelese tribe on the islands. Indigenous people of the North Sentinel Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Sentinelese are also known as an uncontacted tribe and it is illegal to contact them. The tourist was allegedly killed by arrows shot by protected tribesmen, police said.

As per reports, seven fishermen had facilitated his trip and they have been arrested. They have been booked under the Protection of Aboriginal Tribes act and various other sections of the IPC. The victim has been identified as John Allen Chau.

Chau had taken a boat ride with the local fishermen but ventured alone to the island in a canoe. As soon as he reached the island, Chau reportedly found himself facing a flurry of arrows.

As per a local newspaper, Andamans Sheekha, Chau was killed by the tribe on the remote North Sentinel Island. This tribe in South Andaman is known for its limited contact with the outside world.

Also read: Sentinelese in Andamans: What we know about the islands’ isolated tribes

A case of murder has also been registered against unknown members of the tribe. "The investigation in this matter is on," senior police officer Deepak Yadav said in a press note.

Meanwhile, news agency AFP quoted sources as saying that Chau attempted to reach the Sentinel island on November 14 but could not make it. "Two days later he went well prepared. He left the dingy midway and took a canoe all by himself to the island," sources said.

"He was attacked by arrows but he continued walking. The fishermen saw the tribals tying a rope around his neck and dragging his body. They were scared and fled but returned next morning to find his body on the seashore."

Also read: ‘Don’t be mad at them or at God if I get killed’ - Read John Allen Chau’s letter

The North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese, a native tribe that irately spurns external contacts. The hunter-gatherer society solely survives on hunting, fishing, and collecting wild plants. They are considered to be one of the uncontacted tribes and the population is estimated to be numbering between 40 to 500.

It is illegal to try making contact with them due to the risk of them contracting diseases that they do not have the immunity for.