In a shocking development, the first clear photograph of Sajid Akram, the alleged mastermind behind the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack, has been released as new details about his life and radicalisation come to light.
Family in India Expresses Shock and Ignorance
Authorities have revealed that Akram's family members in Hyderabad, India, had no knowledge whatsoever of his radical mindset or the circumstances that led to his extremist turn. The 50-year-old, along with his 24-year-old son Naveed, is accused of opening fire at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, December 14. The attack, which left 15 people dead and 40 injured, is said to have been inspired by the terrorist group ISIS.
An Indian Police spokesperson stated clearly: "The family members have expressed no knowledge of his radical mindset or activities, nor of the circumstances that led to his radicalisation. The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana."
From Student Visa to Terror Attack: Akram's Path
Police have pieced together Akram's background. He hailed from Hyderabad, a major tech and pharmaceutical hub in India, where he completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree. His migration journey to Australia began in 1998 when he arrived on a student visa. Three years later, he transitioned to a partner visa after marrying Venera, who is Naveed's mother.
Despite making six trips back to India over the years, including one in 2022 for family and property matters, Akram's contact with his relatives became increasingly limited. Notably, he did not return to India when his father passed away in 2017. His immediate family, including an elder brother who is a doctor, still resides in Hyderabad.
Aftermath and Ongoing International Probe
The aftermath of the attack saw Sajid Akram shot dead by police at the scene. His son, Naveed, who was critically injured, woke from a coma on Wednesday, December 17, and has since been charged with a staggering 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder.
The investigation has taken an international dimension. Australian authorities, in coordination with Indian officials, are also probing a trip the father and son took to the Philippines prior to the attack. Philippines immigration records confirm the pair travelled there on November 1. Their last known destination was Davao City on the island of Mindanao, a region with historical links to IS activity.
The political fallout was palpable when Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, visited the memorial site. He was met with boos and jeers from the crowd, with at least one person shouting, "you've got blood on your hands." Despite the hostile reception, PM Albanese has insisted that the probe will continue with full force.
As the first clear image of Sajid Akram circulates in Australian media one week after the atrocity, the search for answers continues, focusing on how a man who lived a seemingly ordinary life for decades could harbour such extreme, violent beliefs unknown to his own family.
