Bondi Beach terror attack: Indian-origin man who left Hyderabad 27 years ago identified as shooter

Australian investigators have identified one of the attackers behind the deadly mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach as an Indian-origin man who left Hyderabad nearly three decades ago. Police say the attack killed 15 people and targeted a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, turning one of Australia’s most popular public spaces into a crime scene.

According to authorities, Sajid Akram, 50, migrated from Hyderabad to Australia in 1998. He continued to hold an Indian passport despite living abroad for 27 years. Police shot him dead during the attack. His son, Naveed Akram, 24, survived and remains under treatment in hospital under armed guard.

Australian officials have classified the incident as a terrorist attack. They say the suspects drew inspiration from the so-called Islamic State group. Investigators also say the father and son planned the assault together.

Meanwhile, police in Telangana confirmed Akram’s background. The Director General of Police said Akram was a native of Hyderabad. He completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree before leaving India. Initially, he travelled to Australia on a student visa in search of work. Over time, he settled there permanently.

However, officials stressed an important point. They found no evidence linking Akram’s alleged radicalisation to India. Senior police officers said his activities abroad showed no operational or ideological connection with any network in India.

Over the years, Akram kept limited contact with his family in Hyderabad. According to police, family disputes led to a complete breakdown in relations. Relatives cut ties with him long before the attack. He also did not attend his father’s funeral prayers in 2017. Akram last visited Hyderabad in 2022.

After moving to Australia, Akram married Venera Grosso, whom police described as a woman of European origin. The couple had two children, a son and a daughter. Both children were born in Australia and hold Australian citizenship. The family lived there for years without public attention.

The shooting unfolded on Sunday at Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah event. Families and community members had gathered when gunfire erupted. Panic spread quickly as people tried to flee. Fifteen people lost their lives before police intervened.

On Tuesday, Australia’s federal police commissioner, Krissy Barrett, addressed the media. She described the attack as calculated and ruthless. She said the suspects showed no concern for the age or vulnerability of their victims. According to her, the attackers focused only on increasing the death toll.

Police confirmed that officers shot Sajid Akram at the scene. Naveed Akram suffered injuries but survived. Investigators later seized a vehicle registered in the younger suspect’s name. Inside, they found improvised explosive devices and two homemade flags linked to the so-called Islamic State group.

In addition, authorities are probing an overseas trip taken by the two suspects. Records show that both men travelled to the Philippines from November 1 to November 28, just weeks before the attack. Sajid Akram used his Indian passport, while his son travelled on an Australian passport. They listed Davao as their destination and returned to Sydney as planned.

Davao lies on the island of Mindanao, a region once known for the presence of Islamist groups. However, Philippine security officials said they could not confirm claims of militant training. They also said sustained military operations have weakened such groups over the years.

For now, Australian investigators continue to piece together the motive, planning, and overseas links behind the Bondi Beach attack.