Slain Australia beach shooting suspect Hyderabad native

Hyderabad/Melbourne: Sajid Akram, the 50-year-old suspect killed in a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Australia, was an Indian citizen originally from Hyderabad, Telangana Police said on Tuesday. Australian authorities have identified the suspects as a father and son, aged 50 and 24.

Akram, the father, had migrated to Australia in 1998, about 27 years ago, and held an Indian passport. He had limited contact with his family in India after settling abroad, according to a statement from the office of the Telangana Director General of Police.
“Sajid Akram is originally from Hyderabad. He completed a BCom degree here and migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment,” the statement said.

Akram married a woman of European origin and settled permanently in Australia. The couple have two children, a son Naveed Akram, 24, and a daughter. Both children were born in Australia and are Australian citizens. Naveed, the second suspect in the shooting, is currently in custody at a hospital in Australia.

Telangana Police said Akram visited India on six occasions after migrating, mainly for family-related reasons such as property matters and to meet his elderly parents. He did not return even at the time of his father’s death, the statement added.

Family members told the police they were unaware of any radical beliefs or activities linked to Akram or the circumstances that led to his alleged radicalisation. The state police said there were no adverse records against him during his stay in India prior to his departure in 1998.

“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana,” the police said, urging the public and media to avoid speculation.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett described the incident as a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State. Meanwhile, Australia’s ABC News, quoting security sources, reported that Akram and his son had travelled to the Philippines in early November to receive what was described as “military-style training”. Philippine immigration authorities confirmed that the duo arrived from Australia on November 1, declaring Davao as their destination, and left the country on November 28 via Manila, with Sydney as their final destination.

According to Philippine officials, Akram entered the country on an Indian passport, while his son travelled on an Australian passport. The Philippine National Security Council is examining reports related to their visit ahead of the attack.
(With PTI inputs.)