AUSTRALIA: Australian and international investigators are intensifying efforts to uncover the background and motivations behind the deadly Bondi Beach shooting, one of the worst mass attacks in Australia’s history, as new details emerge about the suspects’ international travel and origins.
Indian police confirmed on Tuesday that one of the gunmen, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was originally from Hyderabad, the capital of India’s southern Telangana state. Officials said Akram had minimal contact with his family in India over the years and had no criminal or adverse record before leaving the country. He migrated to Australia in 1998 and returned to India on six occasions, mainly for family visits.
The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on December 14, claimed the lives of 16 people. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while his son, Naveed Akram, 24, identified as the alleged accomplice, was critically injured and remains in hospital under police guard.
Australian authorities revealed that the father and son travelled together to the Philippines in November, just weeks before the shooting. Immigration officials in Manila confirmed that they arrived from Sydney on November 1, 2025, and departed on November 28 after spending nearly a month in the country. Sajid Akram entered on an Indian passport, while his son travelled on an Australian passport. Davao, a city in the southern Philippines, was listed as their final destination.
The purpose of the Philippines trip is now a key focus of the investigation. Officials in Australia and the Philippines have not yet established whether the men had direct contact with extremist groups or received any form of training during their stay. Philippine police said they are cooperating closely with Australian authorities as inquiries continue.
Telangana police stated that the radicalisation of the suspects appears to have no connection to India or any local influence within the state. Family members reportedly told investigators they were unaware of any extremist beliefs or activities linked to Sajid Akram or his son.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said early findings indicate the attack was inspired by the Islamic State group. She stressed that the incident should not be viewed as linked to any religion, but rather as the actions of individuals who aligned themselves with a terrorist organisation.
Police also disclosed that a vehicle registered to the younger suspect contained improvised explosive devices and homemade flags associated with ISIS. Investigators believe the attackers opened fire on hundreds of people over a 10-minute period, triggering chaos and panic at one of Australia’s most visited tourist destinations.
At least 25 injured survivors are receiving treatment in Sydney hospitals, while authorities continue to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and assess potential international links. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine how the attack was planned and whether others may have been involved.
