The quiet, residential Tolichowki area of Hyderabad has been thrust into an international investigation following the horrific Bondi Beach attack in Sydney. A two-storey bungalow, painted in light yellow and green, has become a focal point after authorities revealed it belongs to the family of Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen responsible for the December 14 massacre that claimed at least 15 lives.
The Hyderabad Connection and Family's Hasty Exit
Police confirmed that the property is registered in the name of Sajid Akram's father. His elder brother, Dr Shahid Akram, resided there with their mother, Zubera Khatun, and children. However, in the immediate aftermath of the attackers' identities being made public, the family locked up the house and fled abruptly. They left behind their cars and two-wheelers, indicating the suddenness of their departure.
A senior police officer clarified that there is no formal case registered against any of the house's residents. Dr Shahid Akram is employed at a nearby hospital. The family's swift exit appears to be a reaction to the intense media and investigative scrutiny, rather than a legal requirement.
Sajid Akram's Journey from Hyderabad to Australia
According to Telangana's Director General of Police, B Shivadhar Reddy, Sajid Akram completed his B.Com degree in Hyderabad before emigrating to Australia around 27 years ago, in 1998, in search of employment. His life took a significant turn when he married Ms Venera Grosso, a woman of European origin, and settled permanently in Australia.
The couple had two children: a son, Naveed Akram (the second attacker), and a daughter. While Sajid Akram still holds an Indian passport, his children were born in Australia and are Australian citizens. Investigations reveal that after leaving India, Akram led a globally mobile life, living in various countries. His son was born in Pakistan during this period.
Police Investigation and Radicalisation Findings
In a crucial statement, DGP Reddy emphasized that the factors leading to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son Naveed appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana. The Telangana Police have no adverse records against Sajid Akram from his time in India prior to his 1998 departure.
The family members in Hyderabad have told investigators they had "no knowledge of his radical mindset" and were unaware of the circumstances that led to his radicalisation. Sajid Akram maintained minimal contact with his Hyderabad roots after emigrating. He visited the city only once after 1998, skipping even his father's funeral in 2017. He made a brief subsequent visit to discuss selling the Tolichowki property but left immediately when the deal fell through.
The Telangana Police have affirmed their commitment to fully cooperating with central agencies and international counterparts as the investigation into this tragic transnational incident continues.
