Bondi Beach Attacker Sajid Akram Still Holds Indian Passport

HYDERABAD – After reports went rife that they were Pakistani, Indian police have said that the men have an Indian background. They have also emphasized that there is no link between India and the radicalization of Sajid Akram, one of the two attackers involved in the December 14 mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 16 people, including the gunman.

Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, carried out the attack during a public Hanukkah celebration. Fifteen members of the public were killed, along with Naveed Akram. Investigators in Australia have said the pair were inspired by ISIS ideology.

Telangana Director General of Police B. Shivdhar Reddy said on December 16 that Sajid Akram, who was born and educated in India, had no criminal or adverse record during his time in the country prior to migrating to Australia in 1998. Police said the factors that led to his radicalization, and that of his son, have no connection to India or to any local influence in the southern state of Telangana.

Sajid Akram completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Hyderabad before moving to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment. He later married Venera Grosso, a woman of European origin, and settled permanently in Australia. The couple has two children. While Akram continues to hold an Indian passport, both his son and daughter were born in Australia and are Australian citizens.

According to information provided by his relatives in India, Akram maintained only limited contact with his family in Hyderabad over the past 27 years. Police said he visited India on six occasions after migrating, primarily for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to his elderly parents. He did not return to India at the time of his father’s death, the police said.

Family members told investigators they were unaware of any extremist views or activities associated with Akram and said they did not know the circumstances that led to his radicalization.

Telangana Police said they remain in coordination with central authorities and are prepared to assist international counterparts as investigations into the attack continue. (IANS)