Indian authorities have confirmed that Sajid Akram, one of the key suspects involved in the deadly mass shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach, originally hailed from Hyderabad. According to Telangana police officials, Akram, aged 50, migrated to Australia nearly three decades ago and had minimal contact with his family members in the city in recent years.
The confirmation came after news agency PTI sought details from state authorities following the tragic incident, which claimed at least 16 lives and left over 40 people injured. The shooting took place on Sunday during a Jewish gathering at the popular Bondi Beach area in Australia, sending shockwaves across the world.
Police investigations revealed that Sajid Akram moved to Australia in 1998. Officials in Telangana said that while Akram’s roots trace back to Hyderabad, he had largely cut off regular communication with his relatives after settling abroad. Law enforcement agencies in India are now coordinating with Australian authorities to share background information as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to official reports, the attack was carried out by Sajid Akram along with his son, Naveed Akram, aged 24. During the incident, both allegedly opened fire on the gathering, leading to mass casualties. Sajid Akram was killed in a gunfight with police at the scene, while his son sustained injuries and is currently hospitalised under strict police custody.
In a related development, immigration records have shed light on the duo’s recent international travel. Dana Sandoval, spokesperson for the Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration, confirmed that Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram had travelled together to the Philippines earlier this year. As per official records, they arrived from Sydney on November 1, 2025.
Sandoval stated that both individuals declared Davao as their intended final destination upon arrival in the Philippines. Their stay reportedly lasted several weeks before they departed the country on November 28, 2025. Immigration officials confirmed that they travelled from Davao to Manila and then boarded a connecting flight back to Sydney.
The revelation of their travel history has added another layer to the investigation, as authorities work to piece together their movements and possible motivations ahead of the attack. Security agencies in Australia are reportedly examining whether the overseas trip had any connection to the planning or execution of the shooting.
Meanwhile, Telangana police have clarified that no prior criminal cases were found against Sajid Akram in local records. Officials also stressed that they are extending full cooperation to international agencies seeking background verification.
The Bondi Beach shooting has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed debates around public safety and extremism. Australian authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, while diplomatic and law enforcement channels between India, Australia, and the Philippines remain active.
As the probe continues, officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and rely on verified information released by authorities. Further details are expected to emerge as investigators analyse evidence and question Naveed Akram, who remains under medical care and police supervision.