The Telangana police have issued a statement uncovering the Indian passport connection of one of the accused in Sunday's horrifying terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney. The Director General of Police of Telangana released a press note stating that Sajid Akram, a 50-year-old and originally from Hyderabad, was one of the two gunmen who carried out a reckless shooting during the Hanukkah festival. Sajid relocated to Australia 27 years ago.
This vicious attack resulted in the deaths of 15 innocent people, including a 10-year-old girl and an 87-year-old elder. Australian authorities have declared it an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack.
The attack was executed by Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. Sajid was killed in a police shootout, while Naveed is currently injured and undergoing treatment.
Who is Sajid Akram?
According to Telangana's DGP press note, Sajid Akram completed his B.Com in Hyderabad. About 27 years ago, in November 1998, he moved to Australia in search of employment. There, he married a European woman, Venera Grosso, and permanently settled there. His son Naveed (the other attacker) and a daughter were born in Australia and are Australian citizens, while Sajid still holds an Indian passport.
Police have reported that in the past 27 years, Sajid's contact with his relatives in Hyderabad was minimal. He visited India only six times for property or family matters. Even at his father's death, he did not come to India. His family members residing in Hyderabad have denied any knowledge of his radical beliefs or activities.
Telangana police have clarified that before leaving India in 1998, there were no adverse records against Sajid Akram. Police believe that there was no local influence from India or Telangana that led to Sajid and his son's radicalization.
Philippine 'military training' suspicion and Indian passport use
In a startling revelation, just weeks before the attack, the father-son duo visited the Philippines. According to BBC, citing officials, they were in the Philippines from November 1 to November 28, where they reportedly went for 'military-style training'. Importantly, Sajid Akram used his 'Indian passport' for this trip, whereas his son Naveed used his Australian passport.
