US National Granted Bail After Entering North Sentinel Island

Port Blair, India — A 24-year-old US national, arrested for allegedly entering the restricted tribal reserve of North Sentinel Island on March 31, was granted bail on Friday by a sessions court in Port Blair.

The sessions court granted bail with two sureties, one of which must be a local resident with registered property. A police statement detailed the conditions set by the Hon’ble Court of Sessions Judge.

The accused is required to meet with the investigation officer twice a week, and his passport and visa will be held until further notice from the court, meaning he must remain in Port Blair pending further hearings.

Police arrested the American under the Foreigners Act of 1946 and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Amendment Regulation of 2012 after he reportedly entered the North Sentinel Island without authorization.

Authorities have expressed concern about the safety and rights of the indigenous tribes living on the island, which is known for its protected status and hostility towards outsiders.