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American YouTuber Arrested for Attempting to Contact Isolated Tribe in India
NEW DELHI (AP) — Authorities in India have detained a 24-year-old American YouTuber who sought to engage with a secluded tribe on an off-limits island in the Indian Ocean. His venture aimed to connect with the Sentinelese, an indigenous group notorious for their hostility toward outsiders.
Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, hailing from Scottsdale, Arizona, was apprehended on March 31, just two days after he illegally set foot on North Sentinel Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. According to police, he aimed to meet members of the reclusive tribe.
Local judicial authorities have placed Polyakov in custody for 14 days, with his next court appearance scheduled for April 17. He faces charges that could result in a prison term of up to five years along with a monetary fine. The U.S. Embassy has been notified of the situation by Indian officials.
Travel to North Sentinel Island is strictly prohibited within a three-mile radius due to its unique population, which has lived in isolation for millennia. The Sentinelese rely on traditional hunting methods using spears and bows and arrows. They are known to exhibit extreme wariness toward outsiders, often attacking anyone who approaches their shores.
In notable instances of resistance, a 2018 incident involved the death of an American missionary who attempted to visit the island illegally, resulting in his fatal encounter with the tribe, which ultimately buried him on the beach. A tragic series of events unfolded in 2006 when two fishermen lost their lives after accidentally landing there.
The Indian government has imposed stringent measures to limit interaction with the Sentinelese, allowing only rare occasions for “gift-giving” by small parties of officials who leave fruits like coconuts and bananas for the tribe. Additionally, Indian naval forces patrol the waters to deter unwarranted approach to the island and to respect the tribe’s clear wish for seclusion.
Polyakov reportedly utilized GPS for navigation and observed the island with binoculars before landing. He spent approximately an hour on the beach, attempting to gain the tribe’s attention by using a whistle but received no replies.
During his short stay, he left behind a can of Diet Coke and a coconut as offerings, documented his visit via video, and collected samples of sand prior to retreating to his boat.
Upon his return, local fishermen noticed his presence and alerted the authorities, leading to his arrest in Port Blair, the administrative capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located roughly 750 miles (1,207 kilometers) from the Indian mainland. He has been charged with breaching Indian laws that prevent outsiders from engaging with the Sentinelese.
Investigators indicated that Polyakov conducted thorough research regarding sea conditions, tides, and accessibility before initiating his journey to the island.
“He meticulously planned his visit over several days in hopes of contacting the Sentinel tribe,” remarked Senior Police Officer Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal.
In an official statement, authorities expressed concern over Polyakov’s actions, highlighting that they represented a serious danger to the Sentinelese, whose protection is crucial for preserving their traditional lifestyle.
An initial inquiry uncovered that Polyakov had attempted to visit North Sentinel on two earlier occasions, in October of the previous year and January, including one effort using an inflatable kayak.
Police revealed that Polyakov’s fascination with adventure and the allure of engaging with the Sentinelese had motivated his actions.
Survival International, an organization advocating for the rights of indigenous groups, criticized Polyakov’s actions as “reckless and idiotic.”
“This individual’s behavior not only jeopardized his own safety but also put the entire Sentinelese tribe at risk,” Caroline Pearce, the organization’s director, stated.
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