Hit by arrows, half buried in sand: American killed by uncontacted humans in Andaman

An American tourist, identified as John Allen Chau, was killed by unidentified Sentinelese tribesmen in North Sentinel Island of Andaman and Nicobar, reported news agency ANI. The police have arrested seven people, mostly fishermen, in connection with the murder of the American tourist. A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The arrested fishermen reportedly told the police that the last time they saw the American tourist, he was being attacked by the protected tribesmen with bows and arrows. The North Sentinel Islanders, who are one of the world’s uncontacted people, dragged the tourist to the beach and half buried him in the sand.

"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," news agency AFP quoted sources as saying.

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The killed American had tried to reach the Sentinel Island on November 14 but failed to make it. However, two days later, he took a canoe himself to the island but caught by the tribesmen.

"He tried 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," the agency added.

Who are the Sentinelese - the world's last uncontacted humans?

The Sentinelese are the world’s last isolated humans. They are found in the dense forest area of North Sentinel Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. They are known to resist contact with the outside world. As per the 2011 census, which was conducted from a distance, their population was estimated at 15 – 12 male and three females. However, in 2001 census, their population was estimated at 40-50.

The Sentinelese are designated as a protected Tribe and speak an unclassified language. They are a hunter-gatherer society and survives on hunting, fishing, and collecting wild plants.

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