Police warn the public to stop the attacks on Sanaya Sahib’s family

THE death of their baby girl was only the start of the pain for the family of Sanaya Sahib, who is now being targeted by “callous” and cruel attacks.

Sanaya Sahib’s body was found in Heidelberg West on April 10.

THE relatives of slain baby Sanaya Sahib are living in fear after having their lives threatened by “callous” people since the little girl was killed.

Members of the Melbourne public have wrongly “made assumptions” that relatives of the 14-month-old toddler were involved in her death, and have lashed out at them, a senior police officer says.

The child’s mother, Sofina Nikat, 22, claimed an African man abducted Sanaya while she was pushing her in her pram in Olympic Park, West Heidelberg, on April 9. She was charged with murder days later after police say she made a “full confession” to them.

In a letter to The Age, North West Divisional Commander Superintendent Tim Hansen said the family had been the subject of attacks in their home, in public and online.

“Sanaya’s relatives and the extended families have had to deal with this difficult news while struggling with the loss of their baby girl, daughter, niece, granddaughter and loved one,” Supt Hansen wrote.

Sanaya Sahib, 14 months, with her mother Sofina Nikat. Picture: Supplied

Mourners carry out Sanaya Sahib’s casket at her funeral. Picture: Alex Coppel

“Not only have they been facing these tragic circumstances, they have been the victims of malicious attacks in their own community.”

It appeared people had “made assumptions that the extended family were involved in Sanaya’s death”.

Supt Hansen said Sanaya’s extended family had assisted police and other authorities and there was no suggestion they were involved in any way.

“People have no right to harass, intimidate and abuse this family. Vilifying them during their time of grief and need is both callous and unjustified,” he said.

He was unable to go into detail about the incidents.

“I remind people that Victoria Police does not tolerate violence, physical or verbal abuse and will prosecute those responsible for such conduct.”

Anyone with information about the abuse is asked to call to contact police or call Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1800 333 000