Australian authorities have confirmed that one of the two gunmen behind Sunday’s mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing 15 during Hanukkah celebrations, was originally from Hyderabad, India.
The attackers, identified as father-son duo Sajid Akram (50) and Naveed Akram (24), were neutralised by police. Investigations indicate the attack was inspired by Islamic State (IS) ideology.
According to Indian agencies, Sajid Akram migrated to Australia in the late 1980s, completed his BCom in India, and later married a European woman. He held an Indian passport and visited India six times in 27 years for personal or property matters. Naveed and a daughter were born in Australia and are Australian citizens.
Telangana Police confirmed Sajid had no adverse record during his stay in India.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the massacre as terrorism motivated by IS ideology and pledged a full legal response. Investigators also revealed the gunmen had recently travelled to the Philippines on Indian passport, prompting enhanced cooperation between Philippine and Australian authorities on security and law enforcement.
