Indian authorities have confirmed that Sajid Akram, one of the attackers responsible for the deadly mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, was originally from Hyderabad and had minimal contact with his family in India.
Telangana police said Tuesday that Akram, 50, migrated to Australia roughly 27 years ago and maintained only limited communication with relatives in Hyderabad. Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on Sunday, killing 15 people. Akram was later shot dead during an exchange of fire with Australian police, bringing the death toll to 16. His son remains in critical condition in hospital under police guard.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the attack as a “targeted act of antisemitic terrorism” that struck at the heart of the nation.
Telangana police said preliminary findings suggest the factors behind Akram’s radicalization “have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana.” Authorities also said there is no criminal record of Akram in India prior to his departure and that his family was unaware of any extremist ideology.
Police confirmed Akram visited India six times after moving to Australia but said relatives had no knowledge of what officials described as his “radical mindset.” Indian authorities have pledged full cooperation with federal and international agencies investigating the attack.
Earlier, the Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Akram, an Indian national and Australian resident, traveled to the country in November alongside his son. Officials said the pair arrived from Sydney on Nov. 1, listed Davao as their final destination, and departed the Philippines on Nov. 28 via Manila, returning to Australia.
Reports from Indian media indicate Akram’s family was shocked by news of the shooting and had been estranged from him for many years. His brother, who lives in Hyderabad, told local media that Akram left India more than 25 years ago and later married a Christian woman, after which family ties were severed.
According to sources cited in Indian media, Akram’s father had purchased property in Hyderabad after returning from Saudi Arabia, and investigators are examining whether a past family dispute over property may have further strained relationships. Authorities said additional questioning of family members in Hyderabad may follow as part of the ongoing probe.
