Mourners farewell murdered toddler Sanaya Sahib
Pink and yellow balloons have been released by a crowd of up to 100 people at Olympic Park in Melbourne in memory of 14-month-old Sanaya Sahib who was allegedly killed by her mother.
The toddler’s body was found nearby in Darebin Creek on Sunday and Sofina Nikat has been charged with her murder.
• Father ‘had no concerns’ days before Sanaya Sahib’s death
• Mother who allegedly murdered toddler ‘not well’
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 has said an inquiry will be held into Sanaya’s death.