The extended family of Melbourne toddler Sanaya Sahib, allegedly murdered by her young mother, has been receiving "callous and unjustified" death threats despite having no involvement in her death.
Victoria Police insists those behind the harassment will be prosecuted if caught.
Fourteen-month-old Sanaya's body was found in the Darebin Creek on April 10 and her mother, Sofina Nikat, was subsequently charged with murder.
Superintendent Tim Hansen says the family has been dealing with the tragic news of Sanaya's death while also facing malicious attacks in the community.
"In recent weeks the family has lived in fear having received death threats, had abuse at their home and at their local supermarket and on social media," Supt Hansen said in a open letter to Melbourne media outlets.
"The family have assisted police and other authorities and there is no suggestion or belief that they had any involvement in Sanaya's death.
"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."
Nikat, 22, initially told police a man had snatched her child from a pram in a Heidelberg West park on April 9, but she was arrested and charged on April 12.
Police said in court she had admitted to murdering her daughter.
Nikat remains in custody and is due back in court in early August.
Children's Minister Jenny Mikakos has ordered an investigation into whether the state's welfare agencies followed protocol in their dealings with Sanaya Sahib.
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