Telangana police confirmed on Tuesday that Sajid Akram, the 50-year-old gunman behind the deadly mass shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach, was originally a resident of Hyderabad. Akram and his son, Naveed Akram (24), opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney on Sunday, killing 15 people in what is being described as one of Australia’s deadliest terrorist attacks.
Sajid Akram died during an exchange of fire with Australian police, while his son Naveed remains in critical condition under police guard.
Investigation into Indian Roots
Telangana police and Indian federal agencies have launched a preliminary probe into Sajid’s background. Key findings include:
- Migration: Sajid migrated to Australia in 1998 on a student visa. He became an Australian resident and had lived there for 27 years.
- Family Disconnect: His family in Hyderabad reportedly cut ties with him over 25 years ago after he married a Christian woman.
- Limited Contact: Sajid visited India only six times in nearly three decades. His last visit involved a legal dispute with his brothers over an apartment bought by their father.
- No Local Radicalization: Authorities stated that his radicalization appears to have occurred entirely outside India, with no local influences or prior criminal records found in Telangana.
International Travel Trail
Details from the Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration suggest the duo may have been planning the attack or seeking coordination recently:
- Philippines Visit: Sajid (Indian national/Australian resident) and Naveed (Australian national) traveled to Davao, Philippines, on November 1, 2025.
- Return: They spent nearly a month there before returning to Sydney on November 28, 2025, just days before the Bondi Beach massacre.
Australia’s Reaction
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as a “targeted attack on Jewish Australians” and an “act of evil, antisemitism, and terrorism.” The death toll currently stands at 16 (including the shooter), with several others injured.
Telangana police have indicated they will continue to cooperate with Australian federal agencies. Sajid’s family members in Hyderabad are expected to be questioned further to rule out any undetected local links.