Hyderabad man’s role in Australia shooting sparks outrage: Telangana BJP chief calls it an insult to India

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by NDTV, click this post to read the full article.

The recent mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia, which resulted in 15 fatalities, has raised significant concerns regarding the involvement of Sajid Akram, a man originally from Hyderabad, India. Telangana BJP chief N. Ramchander Rao expressed that Akram’s connection to the incident is not only an “insult” to India but also poses a serious national security issue. He urged Telangana police to investigate the circumstances surrounding Akram’s departure from India and his associations after relocating to Australia.

Rao highlighted that this incident reflects a troubling trend that could damage the reputation of both India and Hyderabad. He emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry into Akram’s family background and the potential existence of sleeper cells related to terrorist organizations like ISI and ISIS in Hyderabad. Akram, who had migrated to Australia in search of employment approximately 27 years ago, was reported to have carried an Indian passport at the time of the shooting.

The Australian federal police commissioner, Krissy Barrett, characterized the shooting as a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State, further intensifying the call for scrutiny into Akram’s connections and the implications of his actions on national security.