To protect the Sentinelese, who are said to number barely 150 or so, from outside illnesses and to maintain their way of life,
All outsiders—Indians and tourists alike—are prohibited from traveling within three miles of North Sentinel Island.
The tribe has assaulted almost everyone who has entered their land, making them a particularly susceptible population that is said to be hostile toward strangers.
Polyakov’s trip to the forbidden area was well planned, according to the police, who claim the tourist researched the tides, water conditions, and entry points before setting out.
In addition, investigators are “questioning the hotel staff where he was staying in Port Blair” in an attempt to determine what other locations Polyakov went while in the area.
