SYDNEY, Dec 16— Investigators probing the deadly Bondi Beach attack in Sydney are examining the use of an Indian passport by one of the gunmen for international travel shortly before the killings, according to Philippine immigration officials.
Sajid Akram, 50, who carried out the attack along with his son Naveed Akram, 24, traveled to the Philippines between Nov. 1 and Nov. 28 using an Indian passport, officials confirmed in comments cited by the BBC. Naveed Akram traveled on Australian documents.
Australian authorities have said the attack, which left 15 civilians dead, was motivated by extremist Islamic State ideology.
“The records show Sajid Akram entered and exited the Philippines using an Indian passport,” a Philippine immigration official told the BBC.
Investigators believe the father and son may have traveled to the Philippines to undergo what authorities described as “military-style training,” the report said. The purpose of the trip and the authenticity of the travel documents are now central to the investigation.
The passport issue has drawn particular attention after reports suggested the Akram family traces its origins to Pakistan. Bloomberg News reported that India’s Ministry of External Affairs has been asked to comment on the matter.
Australian officials have not publicly disclosed how Sajid Akram obtained the Indian passport or whether it was fraudulently issued.
