The Telangana police have confirmed that Sajid Akram, 50, who is among the suspects in the deadly mass shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach that killed at least 16 people, is from Hyderabad, news agency PTI reported. Akram migrated to Australia in 1998 and had “limited contact” with his family in the southern city.
Sixteen people were killed and another 42 injured when Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, 24, opened fire on a Jewish gathering in Australia on Sunday. His son is hospitalised under the supervision of police officials, while Sajid Akram was killed in an exchange of fire with police.
Dana Sandoval, a spokesperson for the Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration, told Hindustan Times that “Sajid Akram, 50, Indian national (Australian resident), and Naveed Akram, 24, Australian national, arrived in the Philippines together on 1 November 2025 from Sydney, Australia.”
She added, “Both reported Davao as their final destination. They left the country on 28 November 2025 on a connecting flight from Davao to Manila, with Sydney as their final destination.”# From Hyderabad to Horror: The Tragic Path of Sajid Akram
**December 16, 2025**
In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples across India and Australia, Telangana Police confirmed today that Sajid Akram—one of the perpetrators of the deadly mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach—was originally from Hyderabad. The 50-year-old, who migrated to Australia 27 years ago, carried an Indian passport until his death during the attack.
### Roots in Hyderabad
Sajid Akram hailed from Tolichowki in Hyderabad, a bustling neighborhood known for its diverse community. After completing his B.Com degree, he left India in November 1998 in search of better opportunities abroad, initially on a student visa. Over time, he settled permanently in Australia, marrying Venera Grosso, a woman of European origin (described in some reports as Christian). The couple had two children: a son, Naveed Akram (24), and a daughter, both born in Australia and holding Australian citizenship.
According to Telangana Police, Akram had limited contact with his family in Hyderabad after migration. He visited India only six times, mainly for property matters or to see his elderly parents. Notably, he did not return even for his father's funeral in 2017. Relatives in India, including his brother (a doctor in Hyderabad), reportedly severed ties years ago due to his interfaith marriage—a decision that strained family relations long before any signs of radicalization emerged.
Telangana authorities emphasized that Akram had no adverse records in India prior to leaving in 1998, and his family expressed shock, claiming no knowledge of any "radical mindset."
### The Bondi Beach Terror Attack
On Sunday, December 14, 2025, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed opened fire on crowds celebrating Hanukkah at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach. The targeted attack on the Jewish community killed at least 15 people—including a 10-year-old girl and an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor—and injured over 40 others.
Australian police described it as a terrorist act inspired by Islamic State (IS) ideology. Sajid was shot dead by responding officers, while Naveed was critically injured and remains in hospital under guard.
Investigations revealed the father-son duo had lied to family about going on a "fishing trip," instead renting a property in Sydney where additional firearms were found. They had recently traveled to the Philippines (November 1-28, 2025), where reports suggest possible "military-style training," though details are under probe.
Australian intelligence (ASIO) had assessed Naveed in 2019 over associations but deemed him not an imminent threat.
### Radicalization: No Links to India
A key point stressed by Telangana Police: "The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed, appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana."
This clarification counters any speculation of domestic roots to their extremism, pointing instead to influences developed over decades in Australia.
### A Story of Migration Turned Tragedy
Sajid Akram's journey mirrors that of countless Indians seeking prosperity abroad—leaving home with dreams of a better life, only to build a new one far away. Yet, in this case, it ended in unimaginable violence, shattering lives on both sides of the ocean.
As investigations continue, with Australian authorities leading and Telangana Police offering cooperation, the incident raises broader questions about radicalization in diaspora communities, integration, and the shadows that can eclipse even the sunniest beaches.
The world mourns the victims, while families in Hyderabad grapple with a past they thought was distant.
*Sources: Statements from Telangana DGP, reports from The Hindu, Times of India, NDTV, Hindustan Times, and international outlets like BBC.*
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