Bondi Beach Terror Attack: Father-Son Duo From Hyderabad Origins Behind Australia’s Deadliest Shooting in Decades

Sydney, December 16, 2025 – In a shocking act of terrorism that has shaken Australia, a father-and-son duo opened fire on a crowded Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. Australian authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack motivated by Islamic State (IS) ideology and antisemitism, marking it as one of the country’s worst mass shootings in nearly 30 years.

The attackers have been identified as Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot dead by police at the scene, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, an Australian citizen who was critically injured and remains in hospital under police guard. Reports indicate Naveed has regained consciousness as investigations continue.

Details of the Attack

The shooting occurred during “Chanukah by the Sea,” a public celebration of the first night of Hanukkah, attended by thousands, including families and tourists. The duo allegedly positioned themselves on a raised pedestrian boardwalk overlooking the beach, armed with high-powered rifles, and fired indiscriminately into the crowd for several minutes.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as people fled across the beachfront. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and homemade IS flags were recovered from the attackers’ vehicle parked nearby. Police seized multiple firearms, some legally owned by Sajid under a recreational licence.

Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl named Matilda, rabbis, a Holocaust survivor, a retired police officer, and others from diverse backgrounds. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation,” vowing stronger gun laws and support for the Jewish community.

Background of the Attackers

Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad in India’s Telangana state, migrated to Australia in November 1998 on a student visa after completing his B.Com degree. He later married Venera Grosso, a woman of European origin, and settled permanently, retaining his Indian passport. The couple had two children: son Naveed (one of the attackers) and a daughter, both born in Australia and holding Australian citizenship.

Telangana Police, in an official statement, confirmed Sajid had limited contact with his family in Hyderabad over the past 27 years. He visited India six times, mainly for property matters and to see his elderly parents, but did not return even for his father’s demise. Relatives expressed shock, stating they had no knowledge of any radical mindset or activities.

“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana,” the statement read. Telangana Police have no adverse records against Sajid prior to his 1998 departure and are cooperating with central agencies and international counterparts.

Investigations reveal the pair travelled to the Philippines in November 2025, with Sajid using his Indian passport. Reports suggest they may have received military-style training there, though this is under probe. Naveed had previously come under scrutiny by Australian security agencies in 2019 due to associations but was not deemed a threat at the time.

National and International Response

The attack has prompted widespread condemnation, with vigils held across Australia. World leaders, including from Israel and India, expressed solidarity. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly denounced the violence.

Australian authorities are examining potential links to broader jihadist networks, while emphasising the ideology of hate behind the act. Police urge the public to avoid speculation as the investigation continues.

This tragedy highlights rising concerns over antisemitism and radicalisation, with calls for unified action to prevent such horrors.

Masala Mirror Reporter