Hundreds weep for Sanaya
Hundreds have gathered for the funeral of Melbourne toddler Sanaya Sahib, whose body was found dumped in a creek last week.
• Father ‘had no concerns’ days before Sanaya Sahib’s death
• Mother who allegedly murdered toddler ‘not well’
The 14-month-old’s body was found in Darebin Creek at Heidelberg West on Sunday.
Her mother, Sofina Nikat, 22, was charged with her murder.
Close to 600 people gathered for the service at Dandenong South’s Bunurong Memorial Park, which was open to the public.
Many mourners never met the little girl, but said they had been deeply affected by the tragedy.
“We just wanted to come here in memory of her,” one attendee said.
“It’s such a sad story that’s happened – and tragic.”
Sanaya’s father, Sameer Sahib, was comforted by family, friends and strangers before the service.
The toddler will be laid to rest at a private Islamic burial service.
The service came after more than 200 people gathered at Olympic Park for a vigil on Friday, releasing pink and yellow balloons to farewell Sanaya.
Local resident Anne Lewis said she felt compelled to attend the vigil.
“It’s the community, it happened in the local area,” she said.
“She’s a little angel it should never have happened.”
Adults and children wrote messages on balloons in Sanaya’s memory, such as “fly high” and “rest in peace princess”.
After a stirring rendition of Ave Maria, the balloons were released.
The Victorian Government will hold an inquiry into Sanaya’s death.