Indian authorities have said there is no evidence linking India to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram, one of the perpetrators of the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney that has been declared a terrorist attack by Australian authorities.
In an official press note, Telangana Police confirmed that Sajid Akram (50), originally from Hyderabad, had no adverse criminal or security record in India prior to leaving the country in 1998. Police said the factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid and his son Naveed Akram (24) appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana.
The attack occurred on Sunday evening, December 14, during a public Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more.
Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while Naveed Akram survived and remains hospitalised under police guard.
Authorities have said the incident is being treated as a terrorist attack, with growing evidence pointing to inspiration from Islamic State ideology.
According to the Telangana Police statement, Sajid Akram completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Hyderabad before migrating to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment. He later married Ms Venera Grosso, a woman of European origin, and settled permanently in Australia. The couple have two children — Naveed and a daughter — both of whom were born in Australia and are Australian citizens. Sajid Akram continued to hold an Indian passport.
Indian police officers said Sajid had only limited contact with his family in Hyderabad over the past 27 years. He reportedly visited India on six occasions after migrating, mainly for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to his elderly parents. Authorities noted that he did not return to India even at the time of his father’s death.
Family members in Hyderabad have told investigators they were unaware of any radical beliefs or activities and expressed shock at Sajid’s involvement in the attack. Telangana Police said the family had no knowledge of the circumstances that led to his radicalisation.
Indian authorities have visited the family residence in Hyderabad as part of routine verification and are continuing to coordinate with central agencies and Australian counterparts. Further questioning of relatives may be undertaken if required.
Meanwhile, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the surviving attacker could face criminal charges depending on his medical condition. He confirmed there were no other suspects and that Sajid Akram was a licensed firearms holder who legally owned six registered weapons.
Australian and Philippine authorities have also confirmed that the father and son travelled to the Philippines last month, staying for 28 days before returning to Australia.
Philippine immigration officials told The Australia Today that Sajid travelled on an Indian passport, while Naveed used an Australian passport, with Davao listed as their destination. The purpose of the trip remains under investigation, though Australian officials said the travel had not been flagged by intelligence agencies.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said investigators are increasingly confident the attack was ideologically motivated, citing evidence recovered from the scene, including homemade explosives and improvised Islamic State flags.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
