The first image of the father who was alleged to have carried out a mass shooting at Bondi Beach has been revealed as fresh details emerge about the key suspect.
Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police at the scene, with his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram being charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism.
The mass shooting took place at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at the popular Australian beach on December 14, leaving 15 people dead and dozens injured.
The alleged gunmen had planned the attack for several months and visited the Bondi beachside park for reconnaissance two days prior, a police fact sheet has revealed.
Indian Police revealed the 50-year-old was from the southern city of Hyderabad, where he completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
He migrated to Australia on a student visa in 1998 before transitioning to a partner visa three years later, following his marriage to Naveed’s mother, Venera.
According to local authorities, Sajid returned to his homeland six times since moving overseas, predominantly for family-related reasons and property matters.
However, Indian Police confirmed he did not travel to the country for his father’s death in 2017.
The first clear photo of Bondi Beach terrorist Sajid Akram has been released
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24 ORAS
An IS flag was found in the vehicle
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REUTERS
A spokesman for the Indian Police Service said: “The family members have expressed no knowledge of his [Sajid’s] radical mindset or activities, nor of the circumstances that led to his radicalisation.
“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana.”
Officers in Australia found a video taken in October on one of the gunmen’s mobile phones showing them sitting in front of an image of an Islamic State flag and making statements in English about their reasons for the attack, while condemning the acts of Zionists.
More to follow…
Photos of Naveed Akram have been released by Australian Police
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REUTERS
