By Aisha Dow
- Mother Sofina Nikat 'confesses' to killing 14-month-old daughter
- Dead toddler grew up in 'dysfunctional environment'
The relatives of baby Sanaya Sahib have been the target of "malicious attacks", including death threats, in the weeks following the child's alleged murder, police say.
The body of the 14-month-old toddler was discovered in Darebin Creek in Heidelberg West earlier this month and her mother Sofina Nikat, 22, has since been charged with her murder after making a "full confession" to police.
But police say they have been saddened and disappointed by the behaviour of some members of the public who have "made assumptions that the extended family were involved in Sanaya's death".
In a letter to the editor, North West Divisional Commander Superintendent Tim Hansen revealed that the toddler's relatives have been living in fear, after being abused at their home, in the local supermarket and on social media.
Hundreds of balloons were released in a vigil for Sanaya Sahib a fortnight ago.Credit: Jason South
"Sanaya's relatives and the extended families have had to deal with this difficult news whilst struggling with the loss of their baby girl, daughter, niece, granddaughter and loved one," Superintendent Hansen wrote.
"Not only have they been facing these tragic circumstances, they have been the victims of malicious attacks in their own community."
Superintendent Hansen said there was no suggestion that Sanaya's extended family had any involvement in her death, and that they had in fact assisted police and other authorities.
"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.
Sanaya Sahib
"I remind people that Victoria Police does not tolerate violence, physical or verbal abuse and will prosecute those responsible for such conduct."
On April 9, the disappearance of Sanaya sparked a massive search of the West Heidelberg area, after her mother told police her daughter was snatched by a shoeless stranger while on a morning walk in Olympic Park.
Victoria Police were unable to provide detailed information on the incidents that saw the toddler's extended family targeted, which occurred over the past three weeks.
Anyone with information about the abuse is asked to call to contact police or call Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1800 333 000.