Bondi Beach Shooting: Indian Origin Suspect Identified

Wed Dec 17 2025 00:12:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad, India, was named as one of the suspects in the tragic Bondi Beach mass shooting that left 15 dead during a Hanukkah celebration.

Australian police have identified Sajid Akram, a 50-year-old Indian national, as one of the suspects in a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, which resulted in 15 fatalities. The incident, occurring during a Hanukkah event, has raised questions about Akram's radicalization and potential ties to extremism. Reports indicate his limited contact with family in India and his prior travel to the Philippines, possibly for training. His 24-year-old son, Naveed, is also suspected in the tragic event. Investigations continue as authorities explore the suspects' backgrounds and connections.

One of the two men suspected of carrying out a mass shooting at Bondi Beach was originally from southern India but had limited contact with his family there, police sources have said.

Sajid Akram, who died at the scene in Sydney on Sunday, was originally from the city of Hyderabad, a police official from the Indian state of Telangana reported. He had traveled to India just six times since moving to Australia in 1998, with his family expressing no knowledge of his radical mindset or activities.

Sajid, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed are suspected of killing 15 people and injuring dozens more during an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

The Telangana police official said Sajid Akram's family was based in Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana state. It was mentioned that Sajid had visited India primarily for family-related reasons and had not traveled even for his father's demise.

Authorities noted that the factors leading to the radicalization of Sajid and his son appear to have no connection with India or local influences in Telangana. Sajid had no criminal record in India, completed a degree, and moved to Australia seeking employment.

Police are currently investigating the reason behind the suspects' trip to the Philippines prior to the attack. Reports suggest they might have traveled for military-style training, although this has not been confirmed. Naveed Akram was previously investigated for ties to a Sydney-based IS terrorism cell.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Naveed came to authorities' attention in 2019, but no ongoing threat was established at that time.