The family of Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen responsible for the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, has revealed that they had severed ties with him years ago. Sajid, who moved to Australia in 1998, reportedly lost contact with his family after marrying Venera Grosso, a Christian woman of European origin.
Telangana Police stated that Sajid migrated to Australia after completing his B.Com degree in Hyderabad. Following his marriage, communication with relatives dwindled, and the family maintained only limited interaction over the next 27 years.
“Sajid had left Hyderabad for Australia more than 25 years ago and later married a Christian, after which the family cut ties with him,” a brother of Sajid told The News Minute.
Limited Visits to India
Police confirmed that Sajid visited India only six times after migration, mostly for property matters or to see his elderly parents. He did not return to India even after his father passed away, reflecting a deep estrangement from his family.
The family also stated that they were unaware of any radical ideology or activities pursued by Sajid or his son, Naveed Akram. Telangana Police emphasized that there were no records of adverse behavior against Sajid before leaving India in 1998.
“The family members have expressed no knowledge of his radical mindset or activities, nor of the circumstances that led to his radicalisation,” the police said.
Radicalisation Likely Outside India
Authorities stressed that the radicalisation of Sajid and his son appears unrelated to India or any local influence in Telangana. Investigators are focusing on influences in Australia or overseas networks that may have contributed to their extremist beliefs.
Sajid and Naveed Akram were involved in a Hanukkah event attack in Bondi Beach, which killed 15 people and injured 42 others. Sajid was shot dead by police during the incident, while Naveed remains hospitalized under police guard.
Family Reaction and Public Statements
The Hyderabad family expressed shock over the tragic events. They said they had lost contact with Sajid decades ago and never witnessed signs of radicalisation during his early life in India.
The revelations highlight the challenges authorities face in tracing extremist behaviour that develops abroad, particularly when perpetrators have minimal links to their country of origin.
Background of Sajid Akram
Sajid’s migration and life abroad, including his marriage and residence in Australia, suggest that his radicalisation was influenced by circumstances outside India. His story underscores how extremist beliefs can develop in isolation from one’s home country and family environment.
Authorities continue to investigate the Bondi Beach attack, focusing on how the father-and-son duo became radicalised, and whether any international networks contributed to their extremist ideology.
