Father of tragic toddler Sanaya Sahib speaks of heartache

EXCLUSIVE: THE devastated father of ­tragic tot Sanaya Sahib has spoken of his heartache after his ex-partner was charged with their daughter’s murder.

THE devastated father of ­tragic tot Sanaya Sahib has spoken of his heartache after his ex-partner was charged with their daughter’s murder.

Sameer Sahib spoke exclusively to the Herald Sun after learning of Sofina Nikat’s ­arrest by homicide squad ­detectives.

“I just feel sick in my stomach,” Mr Sahib said.

MUM CHARGED WITH SANAYA’S MURDER

“I haven’t had any sleep and I can’t eat properly.”

Mr Sahib has described driving to join in the search for his then missing 14-month-old early on Sunday morning, only to receive a phone call by police confirming his worst fears.

Mr Sahib, who separated from his wife almost a year ago, told the Herald Sun: “I’m really distraught at what ­happened. It hasn’t hit properly yet.

Mr Sahib said Sanaya’s birth was the best day of his life. Picture: Supplied

Mr Sahib said his daughter’s death “hasn’t hit properly yet”. Picture: Supplied

“I just really want to find out what happened.”

Mr Sahib said he had been restricted from seeing Sanaya for the past six months and his estranged wife had blocked his phone number.

However, she rang out of the blue last week asking him to visit their daughter.

“All of a sudden she called me on Wednesday and she said to come and see her, and then this happened on the weekend,’’ Mr Sahib said.

“She just said it’s been a long time, come see her.

“It’s a bit suspicious, I ­reckon.”

He is now struggling to come to terms with the news Ms Nikat had been charged with murdering their little girl.

Sofina Nikat is driven to the hearing between two detectives. Picture: Mike Keating

Sofina Nikat (centre) is led away by two social workers. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Police on the scene at the Pert St Heidelberg West home. Picture: Chris Eastman

He said he would now ­concentrate on honouring his daughter’s memory and ­arranging her funeral.

Mr Sahib said he had been previously told his daughter and her mother were in ­contact with the department of human services.

He said he had tried to ­contact Centrelink and other authorities but was advised to contact lawyers.

“I just left it to them to look after my baby — the best ­welfare for both of them.

“They said they would take the best care of her — that nothing like this would ever happen.”

Mr Sahib described driving along Bell St on his way to the search scene when police phoned.

Flowers, toys and cards are placed out for Sanaya Sahib. Picture: Andrew Tauber

A mourner lays some flowers at the makeshift shrine. Picture: Andrew Tauber

“They said pull over, we’re coming over to see you,’’ he said.

“They wanted to tell me they didn’t find her alive.

“It was my first child. It was my dream to start a family.”

Asked about the day Sanaya was born, Mr Sahib said: “It was the best day of my life.”

Sanaya’s uncle, Ridhwan Sahib, said: “We miss Sanaya so much. Our family is in big shock”.

A member of Ms Nikat’s family, many of whom live in Fiji, said Sanaya was loved by everyone.

Meanwhile, a nine-year-old girl, Bella-Mia, from Heidelberg has paid tribute to Sanaya by singing Amazing Grace at her flower memorial.

Residents living near where the tragedy unfolded will on Friday hold a vigil in Sanaya’s honour.

Pink and yellow balloons will be released near the oval at Olympic Park, where the tot’s body was found.

Those taking part will meet at the footbridge between Northland shopping centre and Olympic Park at 11am.

A public Facebook page has been set up in honour of Sanaya with details of the vigil.

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