Victorian government to launch full investigation into Sanaya Sahib’s death
A FULL investigation will be launched into the death of 14-month-old Sanaya Sahib, while the toddler’s devastated father says the funeral will be held on Saturday.
THE father of tragic tot Sanaya Sahib has shared video of his estranged wife lovingly cuddling their daughter just days before her death.
In one of the clips, sent only last week, Sofina Nikat kisses the little girl several times on the cheek during a message to her daddy.
“Hello, How are you doing?’’ Ms Nikat says with the little girl gleefully.
“Miss you lots”.
WATCH THE VIDEO IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
In another video the 14-month-old girl smiles as she is told “Love you”.
The video comes after the announcement Victoria Police would launch a full investigation into the death of Sanaya Sahib will be launched.
The minister for families and children, Jenny Mikakos, said the probe would focus on whether “strict protocols” had been followed.
“There are strict protocols in place between agencies and services when it comes to sharing information about children,” a government spokesman said.
SANAYA’S MUM ABSENT FROM COURT
“The minister has requested the Commissioner for Children and Young People investigate the death of Sanaya to determine whether these protocols have been followed by the Department of Health and Human Services and all related agencies.”
The toddler’s dad, Sameer Sahib, said Sanaya’s funeral would be held on Saturday and the public was welcome to attend.
Sanaya’s mother Sofina Nikat, who has been charged with her murder, failed to front court amid expressions of concern for her mental health.
Hundreds of people are expected to attend the funeral for 14-month-old Sanaya.
Prayers will be offered before the little girl, whose body was found in Darebin Creek at Heidelberg West on Sunday, is laid to rest.
Mr Sahib said that he had visited the Coroner to identify his murdered daughter.
“It was very hard when I identified her,’’ he said.
“It is the hardest day.”
Mr Sahib, who separated from his wife of three years almost a year ago, said he had spoken with police but was yet to find out exactly what happened to his daughter.
“We are just waiting to hear from police,’’ he said.
Sanaya’s grandfather, Sheraz Sahib, said the family welcomed all who wanted to pay their respects at Saturday’s service, to begin at Dandenong South’s Bunurong Memorial Park at 11.15am.
“We want to give a chance to the public, because they’ve been so close to everything,’’ he said.
“People have helped us so much. We are struggling at the moment.”
Locals near Olympic Park, where Ms Nikat claimed a mystery man had snatched her daughter, will keep a vigil from 11am on Friday.
Those taking part will meet at the footbridge that links the park to the Northland shopping centre and release balloons scrawled with messages.
The course of events in the lead-up to Sanaya’s death remains unclear.
It has been revealed that almost a week before she died paramedics treated her for a seizure at the Perth St home where her mother was staying with her brother.
The family had previously had contact with the Department of Human Services, which refused to answer questions about Sanaya.
Ms Nikat’s brother, Habib Ali, said police weren’t giving the family any information.
“We are doing very badly, very badly,” he said.
“The cops aren’t saying anything, nobody is telling us anything. It’s very difficult.”
Ms Nikat, 22, of Mitcham, did not appear for a short administrative hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
Lawyer Michael McNamara said while it was his client’s preference not to be brought into court, medical experts had given him similar advice amid serious concern about her mental health.
Prosecutors were given until June 22 to prepare the brief of evidence. Ms Nikat remains in custody. The case returns to court on August 3.
Originally published as Victorian government to launch full investigation into Sanaya Sahib’s death
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