A Hyderabad connection has emerged in the deadly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, which took place on Sunday, 14 December 2025, during a public Hanukkah celebration. Australian authorities have confirmed that the incident, described as a terrorist attack, claimed the lives of 15 people, along with one of the two attackers.
The attackers have been identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram. Investigators in Australia have stated that the attackers were allegedly inspired by ISIS ideology, and further probes into the matter are ongoing.
According to an official press note issued by the Telangana Police, Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad. He completed a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in the city before migrating to Australia in November 1998 on a student visa, in search of employment. He later settled permanently in Australia.
Police sources confirmed that Sajid married a woman of European origin, Venera Grosso, and the couple had two children, a son, Naveed, who was one of the attackers, and a daughter. While Sajid Akram currently holds an Indian passport, both his son and daughter were born in Australia and are Australian citizens.
Family members in Hyderabad have stated that they had limited ties with Sajid Akram several years ago and were shocked by the incident. They claimed to have had no knowledge of his radical views or activities. Sajid reportedly last visited Hyderabad in 2022 and had travelled to India only six times in the past 27 years, mainly for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to elderly parents. It is also understood that he did not return to India even at the time of his father’s death.
The Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) confirmed that Sajid Akram had no criminal or adverse record during his stay in India prior to leaving for Australia in 1998. Police officials further clarified that the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appears to have no links to India or any local influence in Telangana.
Telangana Police stated that a detailed background verification is currently underway and assured full cooperation with central agencies and international counterparts as required. Authorities have also urged the public and media to refrain from speculation and attribution until all facts are verified.
The investigation into the attack continues, with Australian security agencies leading the inquiry into the motives and international dimensions of the case.
