Bondi Beach shooting: Gunman Sajid Akram traced to Hyderabad, had minimal contact with family in India

Sajid Akram, the 50-year-old man involved in the deadly shooting at Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach, was originally from Hyderabad in India, Telangana police confirmed on Tuesday. The attack, which took place on Sunday, left 15 people dead before Akram was killed during an altercation with Australian police. His son was also involved in the shooting, according to investigators.

Officials in India said Akram had very limited contact with his family in Hyderabad and had been living abroad for several years. Telangana police stated that preliminary inquiries suggested there had been no recent communication between Akram and his relatives, making it difficult to immediately establish his personal background, motivations, or mental state prior to the attack.

Australian authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances that led to the mass shooting, one of the deadliest incidents in the country in recent years. Police said Akram and his son opened fire on civilians at the crowded beachfront area, triggering panic and a swift security response. Emergency services rushed to the scene, while local hospitals were placed on high alert to treat the injured.

The Australian police have not indicated any confirmed ideological or terror-related motive so far, saying the investigation is still at an early stage. Officials are examining the suspects’ movements, travel history, and possible warning signs in the days leading up to the attack. Authorities are also looking into how the weapons were acquired and whether there were any lapses in security or intelligence.

In India, Telangana police said they are coordinating with central agencies and Australian counterparts to share any information that could assist the probe. However, officials stressed that Akram was not known to local law enforcement in Hyderabad and did not have a criminal record in the state.

The incident has sparked widespread shock and grief in Australia, with leaders across the political spectrum condemning the violence and expressing condolences to the victims’ families. Vigils were held near Bondi Beach as residents mourned the loss of lives and called for unity in the aftermath of the tragedy.