ZAHBEENA NAVSARKA AND SUBHAN ANWAR: HORRIFIC CHILD MURDER IN BATLEY AND WORCESTERSHIRE PRISON

In a tragic and disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Batley and the wider West Yorkshire area, a young child who endured unimaginable cruelty has lost her life, and the individuals responsible are now facing the full weight of justice. The case involves Zahbeena Navsarka, aged 21, and her partner, Subhan Anwar, also 21, whose actions led to the death of two-year-old Sanam Navsarka. The horrifying details of her suffering and the subsequent legal proceedings have brought to light serious concerns about child protection and the effectiveness of social services in the region.

Sanam Navsarka's life was marked by a series of brutal abuses that culminated in her tragic death. Over the course of a month, she was subjected to relentless physical violence, resulting in a staggering total of 107 injuries documented during her post-mortem examination. These injuries included multiple fractures to her limbs, extensive bruising, and other signs of severe trauma. The post-mortem report revealed 36 bruises on her head and neck, 26 on her arms, and ten on her abdomen. Notably, two 'tramline' bruises on her thigh indicated she had been battered with metal poles, and her suffering was compounded by the application of aftershave on her open sores and nappy rash, causing further pain.

Despite the severity of her injuries, neither her mother nor her mother's partner sought medical attention for Sanam. Her mother, Zahbeena Navsarka, was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to nine years in prison. Her partner, Subhan Anwar, was convicted of murder and received a life sentence, with a minimum term of 23 years to be served before eligibility for parole. During the trial at Bradford Crown Court, both individuals blamed each other for Sanam's death, but the court was told that their neglect and cruelty had sealed her fate.

Sanam's death was ultimately caused by the fat deposits from her broken bones entering her bloodstream, leading to her demise. The tragic event unfolded after Anwar claimed he left her alone in the bath for ten minutes, only to return and find her lifeless body. The couple's account was inconsistent with the evidence, and the post-mortem findings painted a picture of prolonged and systematic abuse.

Neighbors and friends described Sanam as a cheerful and happy child, contrasting sharply with her mother's quiet and reserved demeanor. Witnesses recounted that Sanam was afraid of the dark, and her early life was marred by instability. Zahbeena Navsarka had spent time in care during her own childhood and was living alone on benefits in a council flat in Batley when Sanam was born on Christmas Eve in 2005. The child's father was described as absent from her life. Everything changed when Anwar, a former student at Batley Grammar School, moved into her home.

Shereen Yacoobali, a neighbor and friend, recalled the fear Sanam exhibited, especially when Anwar threatened to lock her in a cupboard. Social workers from Kirklees Council had multiple contacts with the family, including three visits during the period when Sanam was being systematically beaten. However, despite these interventions, they failed to recognize the extent of her suffering. In August 2007, concerns were raised about her care when she was taken to her grandmother's house, who was schizophrenic, and deemed an unsuitable environment for the child.

Further investigations revealed disturbing evidence at their home in Huddersfield and a previous residence in Batley. Bloodstains and tiny handprints were found inside cupboards, indicating Sanam's distress and the brutal conditions she endured. The court heard that she was often afraid of the dark, and her physical injuries were hidden beneath her small frame. Social workers, including Sally Scott from the Looked After Children Team, had met with the family shortly before her death but did not detect the severity of her injuries. Sanam was taken to Kirklees Council offices twice in the days leading up to her death, yet no signs of her suffering were apparent to the staff.

In the aftermath of her death, a serious case review was initiated by Kirklees Council. Officials acknowledged that Sanam was never placed on the child protection register, raising questions about the adequacy of the safeguarding measures in place. The authorities stated that neither her mother nor her partner had previous records with social services, complicating the assessment of risk. Detective Inspector Trevor Gasson of West Yorkshire Police expressed his outrage, stating,