Introduction of Suspect's Origin
Police sources have indicated that one of the two individuals suspected in the Bondi Beach mass shooting originated from southern India. The suspect maintained limited contact with his family in India.
Identity and Background
Sajid Akram, aged 50, who died at the scene in Sydney on Sunday, was identified by a police official from India's Telangana state as being from Hyderabad. The official reported that Akram had traveled to India on six occasions since moving to Australia in 1998. His family stated they had no awareness of any radical beliefs or activities on his part.
Sajid Akram and his son Naveed, 24, are suspected of causing the deaths of 15 people and injuring dozens more during an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah on Sunday.
Family and Travel History
Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana state, is where Sajid Akram's family resides. The Telangana police official informed BBC Telugu that Akram's visits to India, following his migration to Australia, were primarily for family-related reasons such as property matters and visiting his elderly parents. It was noted that he did not return to India even upon his father's death.
The official emphasized that the factors leading to the alleged radicalization of Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed, do not appear to be connected to India or any local influence in Telangana.
Personal Details
Sajid Akram had no prior criminal record in India. He held a degree and relocated to Australia for employment opportunities, subsequently marrying a woman of European origin. The official confirmed that Sajid Akram was an Indian passport holder, while his children were born in Australia and hold Australian citizenship.