7 arrested in US citizen's death in Andaman

Seven people have been arrested in connection with the alleged killing of a US citizen, John Allen Chau, in North Sentinel Island of Andaman.

"On the basis of the information received by an email of the US Consulate, Chennai on 19 November, the Andaman and Nicobar police immediately lodged a missing report. The police have apprehended seven people who supported John Allen Chau and actively facilitated him to go to north Sentinelese Island," said Andaman and Nicobar Director General of Police Deependra Pathak.

Two cases have been registered on the perception and complaint of a fisherman who saw John dead. "The entire act of the deceased, as well as others, can be termed as a misdirected adventure into a restricted area to meet the uncontacted tribe who vigorously rejects any kind of external contact," said Pathak.

The deceased was allegedly killed in North Sentinel Island, Andaman which is home to the Sentinelese, a native tribe which is completely against outsiders' intervention in their life.

The seven arrested have been sent to judicial custody for the time being and likely to be taken to police custody later.

"We are in touch with best of the academics and the forest people and those who know more about the tribe. We are handling the case with utmost sensitivity towards this human treasure," he said.

A detailed investigation in the matter is underway.