Bondi Beach terror attack: One shooter from Hyderabad; cops rule out links to India, Telangana

Hyderabad: Telangana Police on Tuesday ruled out any India or Telangana link to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, the perpetrators of the Bondi Beach terror attack in Sydney.

The police urged the media and public to rely only on verified facts as investigations continue in Australia.

Deadly attack during a public celebration

The incident the police are referring to is the mass shooting that occurred during a public Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, Sydney, on Sunday, December 14. At least 15 people were dead. One of the two attackers was also killed in the incident.

Australian authorities have classified the attack as an act of terrorism and said the assailants were inspired by ISIS ideology. Investigations are currently underway. The attackers have been identified as Sajid Akram (50) and his son, Naveed Akram (24).

Shooter’s roots in Hyderabad

Sajid Akram is originally from Hyderabad, where he completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree before migrating to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment.

He later married Venera Grosso, a woman of European origin and settled permanently in Australia. While Sajid continues to hold an Indian passport, his son Naveed and daughter were born in Australia and are Australian citizens.

Minimal contact with family in India

According to information shared by relatives in Hyderabad, Sajid Akram maintained limited contact with his family over the past 27 years.

He is reported to have visited India only six times since migrating, largely for family-related reasons such as property matters and visits to his elderly parents. Family members said he did not travel to India even at the time of his father’s death.

No prior indicators of radicalisation

Relatives in India have stated that they were unaware of any radical beliefs or activities associated with Sajid Akram or his son. They expressed shock over the incident and said they had no knowledge of the circumstances that may have led to their radicalisation.

No Telangana or India link: Police

Telangana Police confirmed that Sajid Akram had no adverse criminal record during his stay in India prior to his departure in 1998.

Authorities stressed that the factors leading to the radicalisation of Sajid and Naveed appear to be unrelated to India or Telangana.

Call for caution and cooperation

Telangana Police reiterated their commitment to cooperating with central agencies and international counterparts as required. They also appealed to the public and media to avoid speculation or attribution without verified facts while the Australian investigation proceeds.