The nightmare continues for the family of murdered Melbourne toddler Sanaya Sahib.
Police have revealed that in the weeks following the arrest of the 14-month-old’s mother, relatives have been the target of malicious attacks and death threats from people who believe they played a role in the little girl’s death.
In a letter to the editor of The Age, North West Divisional Commander Superintendent Tim Hansen said police were disappointed that members of the public were making assumptions about the case and abusing Sanaya’s relatives online, at their home and at the local supermarket.
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“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Superintendent Hansen went on to warn that such harassment is also potentially against the law, reports The Age.
“I remind people that Victoria Police does not tolerate violence, physical or verbal abuse and will prosecute those responsible for such conduct.”
via Facebook and 7 News
Sanaya's body was found partially submerged in Darebin Creek in the north-eastern Melbourne suburb of West Heidelberg on 9 April.
Her mother, Sofina Nikat, had initially told police that the toddler had been snatched by a man of African appearance in Olympic Park, but later confessed to her murder after chilling CCTV footage showed her calmly returning from the area with an empty pram.
Nikat was due to appear in Melbourne Magistrate's Court on 13 April but was deemed not capable to do so by doctors.
