Murdered 'little princess' Sanaya Sahib farewelled at moving service
Toddler Sanaya Sahib has been given a touching farewell by a loving community after she was laid to rest in a funeral today.
Almost 450 people gathered at the Bunurong Memorial Park for the 14-month-old's funeral, a week after she was reported missing.
Mourners packed the Bunurong Memorial Park church to farewell Sanaya Sahib. Source: 7 News.
Family from interstate and New Zealand, where Sanaya's father was born, flew to Melbourne for the funeral.
Her tiny, black coffin sat at the front of the auditorium under a bouquet of yellow and pink flowers.
Little Sanaya was found murdered in Darebin Creek on Sunday, less than 24 hours after her mother, Sofina Nikat, told police she had been snatched from her pram in Olympic Park in Heidelberg West.
Nikat, of Mitcham, was charged with her daughter's murder on Tuesday and remains in custody.
"He loves his princess. The bond between father and daughter is unbreakable." Sanaya Sahib funeral @7NewsMelbourne pic.twitter.com/fgGHtvk3A7
— Georgia Main (@georgiamain7) April 16, 2016
Her father, Sameer, was hugged by a stream of mourners from the moment he arrived at the Dandenong South cemetery.
He did not speak at the service, but stood between the coffin he made himself and Sanaya's grandfather Sheraz, as he father thanked the community for their support at the end of the memorial.
Baby Sanaya Sahib. Photo: Supplied
*Community attends vigil for murdered toddler Sanaya Sahib
Sanaya's uncle Jameel Ahmad gave a short eulogy for the toddler, thanking the hundreds, from all backgrounds, who had gathered.
"Sanaya brought so much joy to our family, Sameer loves his little princess and will love and miss her every day of his life," he said.
The family who found little Sanaya Sahibs body spoke at her funeral. Family say they cannot thank them enough @7NewsMelbourne
— Georgia Main (@georgiamain7) April 16, 2016
Sofina Nikat with her daughter Sanaya Shaib.
These are the final pictures of Sanaya Sahib and her murder-accused mum Sofina Nikat. Photo: 7 News
Rosalia Mason - who found Sanaya's body with her family - spoke through tears, telling the community to remain united around Sanaya's family.
"You may now fly high and rest forever in our hearts," she said.
Dandenong South Mosque's Imam Ismail Hyka and Liberal Member for Isaacs Garry Spencer spoke as leaders of the community.
"She will be the flower of Paradise," Imam Ismail said.
Yellow and pink balloons were released in honour of baby Sanaya Sahib. Source: 7 News
Sanaya will be buried in a private, Islamic burial following the memorial service.
On Friday, about 200 people including Sanaya's family members gathered at Olympic Park for a vigil and balloon releasing ceremony.
