By Fifteen Killed, Dozens Injured in Bondi Beach Attack
A terror attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach, Sydney left 15 people dead and 42 injured. The shooters, Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed Akram (24), opened fire with rifles on Sunday.
Sajid Akram was killed in a police encounter, while Naveed Akram remains hospitalized under police guard.
Philippine Authorities Confirm Indian Origin
The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Sajid Akram was an Indian national and an Australian permanent resident.
Spokesperson Dana Sandoval stated, “Sajid Akram and his son arrived in the Philippines on November 1, 2025, from Sydney, Australia, with Davao as their intended destination. They left the country on November 28 via Manila.”
Earlier, five anonymous sources had also confirmed Sajid Akram’s Indian origin.
Australian Residency and Background
Australian officials said Sajid Akram arrived in Australia in 1998 on a student visa and later obtained a partner visa in 2001. He traveled on resident return visas after each overseas trip.
His son, Naveed Akram, is an Australian-born citizen. Reports indicate that Naveed has Indian and Italian ancestry, with his mother being Italian.
Investigation Links Attack to Islamic State Ideology
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the attackers were motivated by Islamic State ideology. The attack appears to have been radicalized by extremist beliefs.
The father-and-son duo had traveled to the Philippines last month, and authorities are investigating the purpose of their trip. Davao, the city they visited, is a known Islamic State activity hub in southern Philippines.
Diplomatic Communication Between Australia and India
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong spoke to Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, expressing condolences and emphasizing that there is no place for antisemitism, violence, or terrorism.
Jaishankar responded on social media, conveying India’s deepest condolences and full support for the victims.
Witness Accounts and Background of Naveed Akram
A former colleague described Naveed as an unemployed bricklayer who occasionally discussed religion but did not impose beliefs on others. Naveed reportedly held a firearms license.
Key Takeaways
- Sajid Akram, 50, Indian national; killed in police encounter
- Naveed Akram, 24, Australian-born, hospitalized under guard
- Attack inspired by Islamic State ideology
- Philippine visit under investigation
- Diplomatic exchanges between India and Australia underway
