New Delhi: Australian authorities are in touch with Indian officials over the shooters involved in the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach earlier this month, the Ministry of External Affairs said Friday.
“We are aware of the reports of the individuals responsible for the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. Australian authorities are in touch with our authorities on this matter,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told at a regular press briefing here.
Fifteen people were killed and dozens injured in the mass shooting at a Jewish celebration of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach on 14 December. One of the alleged shooters—Sajid Akram, 50, hailed from Hyderabad in Telangana and moved to Australia in 1998. His son Naveed Akram, who was the second alleged shooter, was born in Australia.
Sajid completed his B.Com in Hyderabad before moving to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment, as reported by ThePrint earlier. He married a woman of European origin and eventually permanently settled in the country. Sajid continues to carry an Indian passport, while his children are Australian citizens.
The shooting shocked the country, especially as it has one of the toughest gun-ownership laws globally. According to latest reports, the two attempted to use pipe bombs and tennis ball bombs at the crowd in Bondi Beach, however, they failed to detonate. Sajid was shot dead by the police, while Naveed has been charged with 59 offences including murder and terrorism.
Sajid had limited contact with his relatives in India since moving to Australia. He has made only six visits to India to look after his elderly mother and attend to property matters.
In a statement last week, the Telangana police said there is no adverse record against Sajid Akram during his stay in India prior to his departure in 1998.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar immediately after the shootings, highlighting the levels at which the issue has been taken up by both sides. Jaishankar promised to provide all necessary support in the matter.
The attack has brought to the forefront the issue of anti-semitism in Australia and has impacted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s approval rating.
A poll conducted by the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper and released Monday indicated that Albanese’s support has cratered to -9 percent, the lowest since his impressive win at the polls earlier this year.
Albanese had apologised to the Jewish community for the attack. Thirteen people remain in the hospital as of earlier this week, according to Reuters.
(Edited by Ajeet Tiwari)