The shocking incident involving Bondi Beach shooter Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad, Telangana, has sparked global attention and raised uncomfortable questions about radicalisation, long-term migration, and fractured family ties. As news broke that the attacker had left Hyderabad nearly 27 years ago and had little to no contact with his family, voices from his hometown finally emerged, distancing themselves from the horrific act.
This blog explores what Sajid Akram’s family said, their emotional response, and the broader implications of the case, while separating fact from speculation and maintaining journalistic responsibility.
Who Was Sajid Akram? From Hyderabad to Bondi Beach
According to reports, Sajid Akram was born and raised in Hyderabad, Telangana, before leaving India approximately 27 years ago. At the time, he was said to be a young man seeking better economic opportunities abroad. Like thousands of others from the city, he reportedly migrated in search of stability, employment, and a future that seemed difficult to secure back home.
Over the decades, however, Sajid Akram’s connection with Hyderabad faded. Family members claim he rarely called, visited, or maintained meaningful relationships with relatives in India. For many in his extended family, he became little more than a distant name.
“We Have Nothing to Do With Him”: Family’s First Reaction
In the aftermath of the Bondi Beach shooting, Sajid Akram’s family in Hyderabad broke their silence, expressing shock, disbelief, and deep sorrow.
Family members reportedly stated that:
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Sajid Akram had not been in regular contact for decades
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They were unaware of his personal struggles or mental state
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They strongly condemned the act, calling it inhuman and unforgivable
One relative was quoted as saying that the family should not be blamed for the actions of someone who had been absent from their lives for nearly three decades. They emphasised that his choices were his own, made far away from his birthplace and without their knowledge or influence.
Minimal Contact for Nearly Three Decades
A recurring point in the family’s statements was the lack of communication. According to them, Sajid Akram had little contact with his family in Hyderabad, and whatever communication did exist was sporadic and superficial.
Relatives said:
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There were no recent phone calls
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No financial dependence or emotional ties
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No indication of extremist views or violent tendencies
For the family, the revelation that their estranged relative was involved in such a brutal incident came as a devastating shock, one that has now placed them under unwanted public scrutiny.
The Burden of Collective Blame
One of the most painful aspects for Sajid Akram’s family has been the social stigma following the Bondi Beach shooting. Neighbours, distant relatives, and even strangers reportedly began asking questions, forcing the family to relive the trauma repeatedly.
They expressed concern over:
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Collective blame placed on families of attackers
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Assumptions based on religion or place of origin
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Media narratives linking birthplace to violence
The family urged people to understand that migration over decades can fundamentally alter a person, and actions committed in a foreign land cannot automatically be linked to upbringing or family values in India.
Hyderabad Reacts: A City Distances Itself
Hyderabad, known for its cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence, has reacted with concern but also clarity. Community leaders stressed that Sajid Akram’s actions do not represent Hyderabad, Telangana, or India.
Locals pointed out that:
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Millions from Hyderabad live abroad peacefully
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One individual’s crime should not define an entire community
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Radicalisation often happens in isolation, not at home
This sentiment echoed the family’s own plea: judge the crime, not the birthplace.
Understanding Long-Term Migration and Isolation
Experts say cases like the Bondi Beach shooter Sajid Akram highlight a complex issue: long-term migrants who lose connection with both their homeland and host society.
Factors often include:
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Social isolation
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Mental health struggles
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Identity crises
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Lack of family grounding
While none of these excuse violence, they help explain how someone who left Hyderabad 27 years ago could transform into someone unrecognisable even to his own family.
What the Family Wants Now
Sajid Akram’s family has made it clear that they want:
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Privacy, not media harassment
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No association with the crime
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Respect for their grief and shock
They maintain that they, too, are victims—forced to carry the weight of an act they neither foresaw nor condoned.
A Tragedy With No Winners
The Bondi Beach incident remains a tragedy that has left victims, families, and communities traumatised across continents. For Sajid Akram’s relatives in Hyderabad, the pain is layered—grief for the victims, horror at the act, and anguish over being unwillingly dragged into a global spotlight.
Their message is simple but powerful: judge the individual, not the family.
Final Thoughts
The story of Bondi Beach shooter Sajid Akram, originally from Hyderabad, Telangana, is a grim reminder that violence cannot be traced to geography alone. His family’s statements underline a crucial truth—decades of separation sever accountability.
As investigations continue, one thing is clear: families left behind should not become collateral damage in tragedies they had no role in shaping.
