Resident of Hyderabad, traveling to Philippines on Indian passport… Know how the accused of Bondi Beach shooting reached Australia?

New Delhi:After the horrific massacre at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, investigative agencies have now started investigating the international basis of this attack. Investigators are trying to find out whether the father-son duo accused of the attack had contacted any extremist Islamic network during their trip to the Philippines and whether they received military-style training there.

Accused of attack on father and son

The main accused of this attack have been described as Sajid Akram (50) and his son Navid Akram (24). Both of them had targeted the Hanukkah celebration of the Jewish community organized on Bondi Beach. 15 people died in the attack, including a 10-year-old girl and an 87-year-old man who had survived the Nazi Holocaust. This attack shocked not only Australia but the entire world.

Doubt on Philippines trip

Investigating agencies suspect that Sajid and Navid had gone to Philippines before the attack. According to reports, Sajid used an Indian passport for the trip, while his son Navid traveled on an Australian passport. It is believed that both of them stayed in the Philippines for about four weeks in the month of November, where they allegedly received training related to weapons and tactics.

Journey from Hyderabad to Australia

In the statement issued by the DGP of Telangana Police, it was said that Sajid Akram was originally a resident of Hyderabad and he had completed his B.Com studies from there. He went to Australia in the year 1998. In his later years, his relationship with his family also broke down. Family members say that Sajid had married a Christian woman, due to which the family had distanced themselves from him.

What happened during the attack?

The attack on Bondi Beach began at around 7 pm local time. Both the attackers opened fire indiscriminately from a bridge for about 20 minutes. They kept reloading the weapons several times, which made it clear that they were trained. Hundreds of people started running here and there to save their lives and there was chaos on the beach.

Questions on response of security agencies

Eyewitnesses alleged that the policemen present at the spot remained inactive for a long time during the attack. Some people say that there was no retaliatory firing for about 20 minutes. Now questions are being raised on the functioning of the Australian Police regarding this delay.

Suspicion of connection with IS

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the attack appeared to be inspired by the ideology of Islamic State. Police have also recovered IEDs and suspicious flags from the attackers’ vehicle. It is being told that Navid Akram had already been under the surveillance of security agencies due to possible links with IS.

Deadliest attack in three decades

It is believed to be Australia’s deadliest shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. The investigating agencies are now trying to understand due to which loopholes the accused went out of surveillance before committing such a major incident.