From the article:
Local media have reported that Chau may have wanted to meet the tribe to preach Christianity to them.
But on social media the young man presented himself as a keen traveller and adventurer.
“Police said Chau had previously visited North Sentinel island about four or five times with the help of local fishermen,” journalist Subir Bhaumik, who has been covering the islands for years, told BBC Hindi.
The AFP news agency quoted a source as saying that Chau had tried and failed to reach the island on 14 November. But then he tried again two days later.
“He was attacked by arrows but he continued walking.
“The fishermen saw the tribals tying a rope around his neck and dragging his body. They were scared and fled,” the report added.
Chau’s body was spotted on 20 November. According to the Hindustan Times, his remains have yet to be recovered.
“It’s a difficult case for the police,” says Mr Bhaumik. “You can’t even arrest the Sentinelese.”
It reads to me that he was a thrill seeker and not a missionary.