A manipulated video circulating online, which purportedly shows New South Wales Premier Chris Minns stating that the perpetrators of the recent Bondi Beach attack were Indian nationals and claiming cooperation from India’s External Affairs Minister, has been confirmed as altered and fraudulent.
The authentic investigation into the December 14 tragedy, where gunmen Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed Akram (24) opened fire at a Jewish festival in Sydney, remains ongoing. The attack resulted in 15 fatalities and at least 24 injuries. Sajid Akram was killed by police, while his son was critically wounded. Authorities recovered "homemade" Islamic State group flags and improvised explosive devices from the attackers' vehicle.
Official Statements Contradict Viral Claim
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has explicitly stated that the assailants' country of origin is part of the active investigation, with no official confirmation released. This directly contradicts the narrative pushed by the deepfake video.
The clip, shared on social media platform X with a "BREAKING" caption, is a piece of digital disinformation. Analysis confirms the footage has been synthetically altered, likely using AI tools, to superimpose false audio or visual elements onto legitimate footage of Premier Minns.
Background of the Attackers
Reports indicate a complex family background. Sajid Akram's brother in Hyderabad, India, stated that Sajid left India over 25 years ago, later married a Christian woman, and subsequently lost contact with his family. Travel records cited by BBC News show Sajid Akram had recently traveled to the Philippines on an Indian passport, while his son Naveed used an Australian passport.
Law enforcement and government officials urge the public to rely only on verified updates from official channels and to be critically aware of digitally fabricated content designed to spread misinformation and inflame communal tensions in the wake of the tragedy.
