NEW DELHI — The investigation into the Bondi Beach attack in Sydney has turned its focus to the international travel history of one of the assailants after Philippine authorities confirmed he used an Indian passport to visit the country weeks before the killings.
Sajid Akram, 50, traveled to the Philippines between Nov. 1 and Nov. 28 using an Indian passport, Philippine immigration officials said, according to a BBC report. His son, Naveed Akram, 24, traveled on Australian documentation.
The two men later carried out an attack in Sydney that killed 15 civilians. Australian authorities have linked the assault to extremist Islamic State ideology.
“The father used an Indian passport, while the son entered using Australian papers,” a Philippine official was quoted as saying.
Investigators are examining claims that the Akrams received military-style training during their stay in the Philippines, a development that has heightened scrutiny of their movements and documentation.
The role of the Indian passport has become a sensitive issue after reports indicated the family may have Pakistani origins. Bloomberg News said India’s Ministry of External Affairs has been approached for its response.
Authorities in Australia have said the investigation remains ongoing and that further details will be released once verification of travel records and identities is completed.
Read more: World leaders condemn Bondi Beach shooting
