The Arrest of Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov: Reckless Curiosity or Calculated Trespass?
The recent arrest of a US national, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has once again drawn attention to North Sentinel Island, one of the world’s most isolated and fiercely protected tribal reserves. On March 31, 2025, Polyakov, aged 24, was apprehended by the Crime Investigation Department (CID) for allegedly entering the prohibited North Sentinel Island without authorisation—a clear violation of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Amendment Regulation, 2012.
The Incident and Its Precedents
Polyakov arrived in Port Blair on March 26 and subsequently made his way to the North Sentinel Island from Kurma Dera Beach on March 29. He launched his inflatable boat at approximately 1 am, equipped with a coconut and a can of cola as offerings intended for the Sentinelese. Reaching the northeastern shore of the island by 10 am, he attempted to attract attention by blowing a whistle and scanning the area with binoculars. Despite lingering offshore for over an hour, his efforts proved futile. Undeterred, he briefly set foot on the island, leaving his offerings, collecting sand samples, and recording video footage before retreating to his boat and returning to Kurma Dera Beach by 7 pm.
His arrival back on the beach was witnessed by local fishermen, leading to his eventual detention. Police investigations revealed that Polyakov had meticulously planned his journey, studying sea conditions, tides, and the navigational challenges from Kurma Dera Beach to North Sentinel Island. GPS navigation played a key role in his voyage, suggesting a premeditated attempt to circumvent legal restrictions.
A Troubling Pattern
This was not Polyakov’s first attempt to visit the island. He had previously travelled to Port Blair in October 2024, intending to reach North Sentinel Island with an inflatable kayak. Hotel staff intervened and prevented the expedition. Again, in January 2025, Polyakov returned to the islands, allegedly recording the indigenous Jarawa tribe during his visit to Baratang Islands—another violation of tribal protection laws.
Police recovered various items from him, including a GoPro camera that confirmed his landing on North Sentinel Island, an inflatable boat, an outboard motor, and research material about the region. As DGP HS Dhaliwal noted, investigations are ongoing to determine his broader intentions and whether he attempted to access other restricted areas.
The Sentinelese: A Legacy of Isolation
The Sentinelese, recognised as a particularly vulnerable tribal group, are perhaps the world’s most isolated tribe. Anthropologists estimate their population to be between 80 and 150, though some reports suggest numbers could be as low as 15 or as high as 500. Living as hunter-gatherers, the Sentinelese have consistently rejected contact with the outside world. They fish, hunt, and gather wild fruits and tubers, living in small, narrow outrigger canoes and constructing huts with slanted roofs.
Their hostility towards outsiders is well-documented. In November 2018, American missionary John Chau was killed by the Sentinelese while attempting to spread Christianity on the island. The Indian government has since intensified restrictions, ensuring that the island remains strictly off-limits to outsiders to protect the tribe’s cultural integrity and shield them from potential diseases.
Legal Implications and Ethical Concerns
Polyakov’s arrest raises critical legal and ethical questions. Under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Amendment Regulation, 2012, unauthorised entry into protected areas is a punishable offence. The rationale behind these restrictions is clear: to preserve the autonomy and safety of indigenous groups, especially those with little to no immunity to common diseases.
While Polyakov’s motives remain unclear, his actions echo the recklessness exhibited by previous intruders. However, unlike Chau’s missionary zeal, Polyakov’s intentions appear more rooted in curiosity and documentation. The presence of a GoPro camera and his methodical preparations suggest an attempt to chronicle his journey, if not exploit it for personal gain.
The Question of Accountability
The Indian government has communicated Polyakov’s arrest to the Ministry of External Affairs and the US Embassy. However, this incident underscores the broader challenge of enforcing protections for isolated tribes against the backdrop of tourism, adventurism, and opportunistic exploitation.
Polyakov’s actions also highlight a glaring deficiency in public awareness about the legal restrictions concerning protected areas. Though tourism to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands continues to grow, there remains a disturbing lack of understanding regarding the protected status of North Sentinel Island and its inhabitants.
The arrest of Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov should serve as a cautionary tale about the need for stricter enforcement of regulations and broader awareness campaigns aimed at safeguarding indigenous communities. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, preserving the autonomy and safety of isolated tribes like the Sentinelese remains a moral and legal imperative. Ultimately, this incident must prompt both the Indian authorities and international stakeholders to reconsider how best to protect these vulnerable populations from the curiosity and interference of the outside world.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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