Sydney Attacker Last Visited India In 2022; Australian Citizenship Denials, Travels Under Scanner

Last Updated:December 19, 2025, 09:23 IST

Telangana Police are tracing details of Akram’s multiple visits from Sydney to Hyderabad, particularly during 2000–01, 2004, 2009, 2012, 2016 and his final visit in 2022.

Two gunmen dressed in black firing multiple shots on a bridge at Bondi Beach in Sydney. (AFP)

Bondi Beach terror attack accused Sajid Akram made multiple attempts to obtain Australian citizenship but was denied every time, intelligence agencies sources have reveal. According to intelligence sources, Sajid Akram continued to hold an Indian passport throughout his 27-year stay in Australia after being repeatedly denied citizenship.

Akram’s family, police say, never explained why his applications were rejected each time. Australian citizenship is mandatory to exercise voting rights in the country.

Sources said Akram’s inability to secure Australian citizenship came up during the questioning of his family members in Hyderabad.

Telangana Police sources said they are now tracing details of Akram’s multiple visits from Sydney to Hyderabad, particularly during the years 2000–01, 2004, 2009, 2012, 2016 and his final visit in 2022. A detailed probe is underway to ascertain the purpose and pattern behind these repeated travels.

In the backdrop of the Sydney shooting, Indian and Australian security agencies are jointly conducting a comprehensive investigation into Sajid Akram’s past, including his international travel history, financial transactions and personal associations.

As of now, police said there is no evidence of Akram travelling to Pakistan as yet, though his entire travel history remains under scrutiny.

Key Timeline Under Probe

• 1998: Sajid Akram completed his Bachelor’s degree at Anwar-ul-Uloom College, Nampally, and travelled to Australia on a student visa on November 8.

• Early 2000: Akram returned to Hyderabad to inform his family about his intention to marry Venera Grosso, an Australian permanent resident of European origin. Sources said he faced resistance from family members. He is said to have introduced his wife, Venera Grosso, but his father was completely against it. After much convincing, he is said to have got the consent of his mother and help of some relatives. A traditional Nikah according to Muslim customs was later conducted in Hyderabad.

• 2001: Akram converted his student visa to a partner visa following his marriage with Grosso. He tried multiple jobs and finally settled down as a fruit seller.

• August 12, 2001: His son Naveed Akram — later identified as one of the attackers — was born in Australia and automatically acquired Australian citizenship. AT a young age of 19, he completes his vocational training and later found a job as a brick layer, his first formal job. Akram also has a daughter from Grosso, born years later.

• 2003–04: Akram visited Hyderabad with his wife, followed by another visit in 2004 when he introduced his three-year-old son Naveed to relatives.

• 2008: Akram obtained a Resident Return Visa, allowing him to retain Permanent Resident (PR) status and travel in and out of Australia.

• 2009: Akram’s father passed away. Police said he did not attend the funeral, citing inability to arrive in time, but travelled to Hyderabad later.

• 2012: He visited Hyderabad again in February and renewed his Indian passport for a 10-year validity.

• 2016: Amid a prolonged property dispute over ancestral property in Shalibanda, Hyderabad’s Old City, Akram travelled to India to finalise the sale. He reportedly came with his teenage son to sign the documents.

• 2018: Using proceeds from the property sale, Akram purchased a house in the Australia. His wife held a share in the property, which Akram reportedly transferred his share of the property too fully to her in February last year.

• 2022: Akram made his final visit to Hyderabad in February, during which he met family members and renewed his passport once again for a period of ten years

Police officials say that Akram’s family in Hyderabad claim they have no knowledge of his radicalisation or extremist activities.

Indian and Australian security agencies are jointly conducting a comprehensive investigation into Sajid Akram’s past life, international travel history, financial transactions, and personal associations.

Investigators said the focus remains on reconstructing his travel and financial trail as part of the ongoing joint probe.

News india Sydney Attacker Last Visited India In 2022; Australian Citizenship Denials, Travels Under Scanner

Read More