Thu Dec 18 09:19:00 UTC 2025: Headline: Indian-Origin Man Hailed a Hero After Bondi Beach Attack
MELBOURNE, Australia – December 18, 2025 – An Indian-origin man is being lauded as a hero after helping to restrain one of the alleged shooters in the deadly Bondi Beach attack that claimed 15 lives on December 14th. Amandeep Singh-Bola, a 34-year-old personal trainer born in New Zealand to Indian and Kiwi parents, was enjoying the sunset at the beach when a father and son, identified as Sajid and Naveed Akram, opened fire on a crowd celebrating a Jewish festival.
According to reports, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead at the scene, while his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, was injured. Forty others, including three Indian students, were also injured in the attack.
Singh-Bola, initially mistaking the gunfire for fireworks, sprang into action after realizing the gravity of the situation. He fearlessly ran towards the shooter, Sajid Akram, and tackled him with the help of a police officer.
“I jumped on top of [the shooter] and grabbed his arms. The police officer helped me and said not to let him go,” Singh-Bola told SBS News. “I wanted to help get one of [the alleged shooters] down, or just help anybody that needed help.”
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett has classified the shooting as a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State. Sajid Akram has been identified as an Indian citizen from Hyderabad who immigrated to Australia 27 years ago. His son, Naveed Akram, is an Australian citizen.
Philippine authorities are also investigating whether the suspects stayed in Davao City during November, as they look into all aspects of the case.
First Piper 