Innocent lives lost in terrorist attack in Australia. (file photo)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. Sajid Akram, one of two men behind the deadly attack on Bondi Beach on 14 December, had been homeless for at least six months before the massacre and was living in several short-term Airbnbs in Sydney. This has been revealed in new reports.
Even after his death, his wife refused to accept his body. According to 7NewsSydney, the government is now responsible for funeral arrangements. The 50-year-old man was killed in a shootout with police after the attack inspired by the terrorist organization ISIS, in which 15 people, including a child, lost their lives and dozens were injured.
Why did Sajid Akram go to Davao City before the attack?
His son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, was caught at the scene and remains in hospital under police watch in a serious but stable condition. Authorities have confirmed that Sajid Akram had visited Davao City in the Philippines from November 1 to November 28, a few weeks before the attack. The area is known as a hotspot for Islamic State activity and police believe he may have received military-style training there.
Two other people from Sydney who visited the same area at the same time are now under investigation. Before the attack, the father-son duo had reportedly told family they were going fishing in Jervis Bay for the weekend. Instead, they opened fire from a footbridge near Campbell Parade, targeting festival-goers as well as locals and tourists in the area.
Loud explosions were heard and people were seen running to save their lives. Investigation is going on as to how the Akram people got such powerful weapons. Police found improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the attackers' vehicle and conducted raids across Sydney, including Navid Akram's Bonnyrigg home.
Sajid was a resident of Hyderabad
Sajid was originally from Hyderabad and held an Indian passport. He moved to Australia in 1998 and had little contact with his family at home. His body is still in the coroner's office morgue.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has considered the Bondi Beach shooting as a terrorist incident. Israeli PM Netanyahu had already warned his Australian counterpart about rising anti-Semitism and hatred towards Jews in the country.
Also read: Australia Firing: Bondi Beach shooter Sajid came to Hyderabad six times, what is the reason?