Sanam Navsarka murder trial: Boyfriend 'scared of Sanam's mum'

Jan 29 2009 by Katie Campling, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE man accused of murdering Huddersfield toddler Sanam Navsarka has said he was scared of the little girl’s mother.

Subhan Anwar said his girlfriend Zahbeena Navsarka always had the last word when it came to caring for her two-year-old daughter.

Anwar and Navsarka, of Riddings Road in Deighton, are both on trial at Bradford Crown Court for Sanam’s murder. Sanam died on May 8 last year, after suffering 107 injuries over six weeks.

Police interviews with Anwar were read to the jury yesterday.

In an interview, Anwar told police he dare not question the way Navsarka raised her daughter.

“I was scared of saying something to Zahbeena and then she tell me to get out and things and I have nowhere else to go. She has done that.

“She would say to me, ‘She’s my kid, nothing to do with you’. If you are not happy, go home. Your parents won’t have you back’. Lots of times I went upstairs and cried in bed. I left everything for Zahbeena and Sanam and then she would treat me like that.”

Anwar had left his wife – who is expecting their child – to live with Navsarka.

Anwar said he had been worried about Sanam on occasions and told jurors he videoed her having a fit because Navsarka had not believed him when he told her.

He admitted putting Sanam in cupboards at Riddings Road and Navsarka’s former home at Howley Walk in Batley, when the youngster did not do as she was told.

He said Navsarka told him to do this and had done the same herself.

Police asked him if he did what Navsarka told him. He replied: “Yes, I am scared of her. I have nowhere else to go.”