What Led Sajid Akram to Bondi Beach Shooting?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad, had minimal contact with family.
- He and his son were identified as the attackers in the Bondi Beach shooting.
- The incident has raised questions about radicalization.
- Authorities are investigating links to ISIS ideology.
- The Telangana Police have confirmed no adverse records against Akram in India.
Hyderabad, Dec 16 (NationPress) Sajid Akram, one of the two armed men involved in the tragic mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday that claimed 16 lives, originally comes from Hyderabad. However, he maintained limited contact with his family after relocating to Australia in 1998, according to police reports released on Tuesday.
Telangana's Director General of Police, B. Shivdhar Reddy, confirmed that there are no adverse records against Akram during his time in India before his migration.
The DGP further stated that the factors contributing to the radicalization of Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed, do not seem to be linked to India or any local influences in Telangana.
The police chief emphasized the importance of refraining from speculation or unverified claims, urging the public and media to stick to the facts.
The horrific shooting at Bondi Beach occurred during a public Hanukkah celebration, resulting in the deaths of 15 victims along with one of the shooters.
Authorities have identified the attackers as Sajid Akram, aged 50, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. Reports suggest that they were motivated by ISIS ideology, and Australian authorities are actively investigating this connection.
Sajid Akram, who completed his B.Com degree in Hyderabad, moved to Australia in search of better employment opportunities approximately 27 years ago, in November 1998. After settling, he married Venera Grosso, a woman of European descent, and they have one son, Naveed (one of the attackers), and a daughter.
According to the DGP's statement, Sajid holds an Indian passport while his children are Australian citizens, born in Australia.
Relatives in India reported that Sajid Akram had minimal contact with his family in Hyderabad over the past 27 years. He returned to India on six occasions, mainly for family matters such as property issues and to visit his elderly parents, even missing his father’s funeral.
The family has expressed no awareness of his radical mindset or the events leading to his radicalization.