HYDERABAD: Indian authorities have confirmed that Sajid Akram, one of the attackers involved in the Bondi Beach shooting in Australia, hailed from Hyderabad, India. Akram, who was 50 years old at the time of his death, moved to Australia in 1998 on a student visa. His last visit to India was in 2022, with Indian officials stating that he had limited contact with his family in Hyderabad after relocating to Australia.
Akram’s son, Naveed, the second attacker, was born in Australia in 2001 and holds Australian citizenship. He was critically injured during the shooting and is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital. Indian authorities have said that Akram’s family in Hyderabad had no knowledge of his radicalization or the circumstances leading to it. His immediate family includes his elder brother, a medical doctor.
The gunmen, father and son, were involved in a mass shooting at a Jewish gathering in Bondi Beach, Australia, on December 14, 2025, which resulted in at least 15 fatalities. Australian authorities are investigating the attack as an act of terrorism, with suspicions that the attack was inspired by Daesh (ISIS) ideology.
The Philippine immigration bureau also confirmed that Sajid Akram entered the Philippines as an “Indian national” in November 2025, traveling with his son Naveed. Both entered the country from Sydney, Australia, and stayed in the southern province of Davao for nearly a month before leaving for Manila.
While the investigation continues, Australian authorities have pointed to the possibility that the attackers were radicalized by extremist ideologies. Police have found improvised explosive devices and ISIS-related flags in the vehicle registered to Naveed Akram. Videos have surfaced showing Naveed preaching extremist views in suburban Sydney.
This incident is being treated as Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades, with the death toll currently standing at 16, including both attackers. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed that the attackers were likely motivated by radical beliefs linked to Daesh, rather than religion.
