SYDNEY / HYDERABAD | December 2025 — Australian and international media have identified the attackers in the deadly Bondi Beach mass shooting as father-son duo Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed Akram (24). The rampage on December 14, 2025, during a Hanukkah by the Sea celebration in Sydney claimed at least 15 lives and injured dozens more, and is being treated as an ISIS-inspired terrorist assault.
Attack Overview
The shooting occurred on Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach during a Jewish holiday event, where crowds had gathered for festivities. The attackers opened fire at close range, killing civilians including children, a Holocaust survivor, and volunteers who attempted to stop them.
Australian police engaged the gunmen: Sajid Akram was killed at the scene, while Naveed was shot and taken to hospital with critical injuries and later charged with multiple offences, including terrorism and murder.
Identity and Indian Connection
Law enforcement and Indian authorities have confirmed that Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad, Telangana, India. He completed a commerce degree before migrating to Australia in November 1998 and had lived there for nearly 27 years.
Telangana Police clarified that:
- Akram held an Indian passport and was born in Hyderabad.
- He visited India only six times since migrating, mainly for family or property reasons, and had minimal contact with relatives; he did not even attend his father’s funeral.
- His family in Hyderabad said they were unaware of any extremist beliefs or radicalisation.
- There is currently no evidence that his radicalisation had any connection with India or local communities in Telangana.
Akram married a woman of European origin in Australia and had two children, including Naveed, who was born in Australia and holds Australian citizenship.
Alleged ISIS Inspire and Radicalisation
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said investigations point to an Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired motive behind the attack, describing it as “an ideology of hate” that led to the mass slaughter.
Evidence recovered near the scene — including ISIS-linked paraphernalia and improvised explosive devices — suggests the attackers may have been influenced by extremist networks.
Authorities are also probing the pair’s recent travel to the Philippines, a region where ISIS-affiliated groups are known to operate, to determine whether they received training or linked up with radical elements abroad.
International Media Coverage
Major outlets such as The Guardian, BBC, Reuters, and local Australian press have highlighted:
- The severity and terror classification of the shooting.
- Emotional public reactions and funeral ceremonies for the victims.
- Australia’s urgent reevaluation of gun laws and security measures in the wake of the attack.
While some early social media claims incorrectly associated the attackers with other nationalities, official sources now confirm Sajid’s Indian origin and Naveed’s Australian citizenship.
Indian Government and Local Reaction
Indian police and Telangana authorities have been cooperating with Australian agencies. They stress that:
- There was no criminal or extremist record for Sajid in India.
- Indian investigators have not found any links to radical networks inside India, and the attack appears to stem from influences outside the country.
Local political figures have expressed concern over the international security implications of the case, describing the involvement of a Hyderabad native in a global terror incident as a matter of national concern and urging thorough investigations.
Broader Implications for Indians Overseas
The Bondi Beach terror attack is expected to have ripple effects for Indian expatriate communities and travellers abroad:
- Heightened security checks for Indian nationals in some countries may result as foreign governments tighten counter-terror protocols.
- Increased scrutiny of travel histories, especially among long-term migrants with dual or multiple connections, is likely.
- Misinterpretation or misinformation online about nationality or identity could also affect perceptions of Indian communities globally.
Authorities and Indian diplomatic missions are likely to issue travel advisories reinforcing security awareness for Indians living or travelling overseas, although no official government travel advisory has yet been announced at the time of reporting.
