Telangana Police have ruled out any link between India and the radicalisation of Sajid Akram, one of the attackers involved in the deadly shooting at Sydney&rsquo;s Bondi Beach. Officials said Akram had minimal contact with India after migrating to Australia nearly 27 years ago and had no adverse record during his time in Hyderabad.
According to police findings, Sajid Akram moved to Australia in November 1998 after completing a commerce degree. He later married an Australian woman of European origin and settled there permanently. While Akram continued to hold an Indian passport, his children were born in Australia and are Australian citizens.
Investigators said Akram&rsquo;s interaction with his family in Hyderabad remained limited over the years. He visited India only six times after migrating, mainly for personal matters such as family visits and property-related issues. Police also noted that he did not return to India even at the time of his father&rsquo;s death.
Family members based in India told authorities they were unaware of any extremist beliefs or activities associated with Akram. Telangana Police stated that there was no indication of radical influence originating from India or the state, adding that the factors leading to the attack appeared to be entirely unrelated to his past in Hyderabad.
Officials further confirmed that Akram had no criminal or negative record in India before leaving the country. They urged the public and media to refrain from speculation and said they would continue to coordinate with national and international agencies as required.
The shooting occurred during a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach, where Sajid Akram and his son opened fire, killing 15 people. Akram was later shot dead in a police encounter, taking the total death toll to 16. His son remains hospitalised in critical condition under police custody. Australian authorities have described the incident as a targeted terrorist attack.

Police say radicalisation had no India connect, shooter lived in Australia for decades

Bondi Shooter’s India Links Ruled Out

Police say radicalisation had no India connect, shooter lived in Australia for decades

December 16, 2025 | 19:38 IST