Deadliest Mass Shooting in Decades
Media reports confirm that Sunday’s Bondi Beach attack in Australia was the country’s worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years. Sixteen people were killed, including the attacker, and the incident is being investigated as a possible terrorist act targeting the Jewish community.
Identity of the Attacker
Australian police identified the gunman as 50‑year‑old Sajid Akram, who was shot dead at the scene. His 24‑year‑old son, Naveed Akram, described by local media as an alleged accomplice, was critically injured and remains under treatment in hospital.
Hyderabad Connection
Indian police in Telangana stated that Sajid Akram originally belonged to Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana state. However, his contact with family members there was limited. Officials said his relatives expressed ignorance about any extremist mindset or activities that could have led to radicalization.
Travel to the Philippines
Australian authorities revealed that Sajid Akram and his son traveled to the Philippines last month, Sajid on an Indian passport and Naveed on an Australian passport. The purpose of the trip remains under investigation. Officials added that it is not yet confirmed whether they had links to any terrorist group or received training abroad.
Telangana Police Statement
In a statement issued Tuesday, Telangana police said there appeared to be “no local influence or connection in India” behind the radicalization of Sajid Akram and his son. They noted that Sajid migrated to Australia in 1998 for family reasons and had visited India six times since then. Before leaving India, he had no negative record.
Family’s Position
According to Indian police, Sajid’s family members denied knowledge of his extremist leanings or the circumstances that may have contributed to his radicalization.