26-year-old, American adventurer, John Allen Chau was killed by Sentinelese tribe in the remote island of North Sentinel, Andaman and Nicobar where the tribesmen are known to live.
These people have resisted contact from the outside world and rest of humanity whatsoever, sending out a clear message that they want to left alone. Repeated attempts by the government and other administrations have been made but all ended in vain.
Chau however, was determined to befriend tribals as it has been reported that he took help from fishermen to smuggle him into the forbidden territory. He carried carefully selected gift items that included fishing line, safety pins, scissors and a soccer ball. But the tribesmen were unhappy with Chau’s unceasing determination.
Photo: Reuters/ John Allen who was killed by Sentinelese in Andaman
On Saturday, police informed that they had charted out the area where Sentinelese were seen burying the body of the American. It is alleged that Allen who was also an ardent Christian missionary was killed with bows and arrows.
During their visit to the islands on Friday, investigators also spotted four or five North Sentinel Islanders moving in the area from a distance of about 500 meters (1,600 feet) from a boat and studied their behaviour for several hours, said Dependra Pathak, the director-general of police of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where North Sentinel is located.
Associated Press reported that authorities are figuring out a way of retrieving the body. The DCP informed that Friday’s visit was the second boat expedition of the week with a team of police officials and forest department personnel, tribal welfare department and coast guard.
Out of the seven people who have been arrested for aiding Chau in his endeavours, two were commissioned by the officials for determining the route and possible circumstances that might have led to his death.
Photo: Reuters/ A Sentinelese taking an aim at Indian Coast Guard helicopter with bow and arrow
In a letter that had been written in a sloppy handwriting, New York Times published the account of Allen’s first hand-account, written by him. In the letter, Allen hints at the possibility of him getting killed as he writes, “You guys might think I’m crazy in all this, but I think it’s worth it to declare Jesus to these people.”
In a 13 page part letter, part journal, Chau details the experience of his last days on the island. John was known for his adrenaline excursions and activities like climbing mountains, camping in isolated places, hiking and canoeing.
In further pages, John questioned the reason behind their defensive and hostile attitude and expressing his desire to live. In the end, he concludes by writing “Please do not be angry at them or at God if I get killed. I love you all.”