Hyderabad Link Emerges in Australia’s Bondi Beach Mass Shooting, Telangana Police Clarify

Telangana Police have confirmed that Sajid Akram, one of the suspects involved in the deadly mass shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach, originally hailed from Hyderabad and had migrated to Australia nearly three decades ago.

According to a statement issued by the office of the Telangana Director General of Police, Sajid Akram moved to Australia in November 1998 after completing his Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree in Hyderabad. He reportedly migrated in search of employment and had maintained only limited contact with his family in India over the years.

The police clarified that the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram appears to have occurred entirely overseas, with no links to India or any local influence in Telangana. Authorities stressed that there was no evidence to suggest that the ideology or actions of the accused were shaped by factors originating in India.

The clarification comes in the wake of a deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration, where two gunmen opened fire on a crowd, killing 15 people. The incident is being described as one of the worst mass shootings in Australia in nearly 30 years, a country known for its stringent gun control laws.

Australian authorities identified the attackers as Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed Akram (24). Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while Naveed sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly condemned the attack, calling it an act of antisemitic terrorism that struck at the heart of the nation and vowed strict action against extremist violence.

Investigations into the attack are ongoing, with Australian authorities focusing on the motive, radicalisation process, and possible international links, if any.