ON June 24, Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara, a 20-year-old physiotherapy student from Kuching, Sarawak, was found dead in her university-provided accommodation at Mutiara Ville condominium in Cyberjaya, Malaysia.
The University of Cyberjaya undergraduate was discovered around 10am, with injuries consistent with blunt force trauma to the head, as confirmed by a post-mortem at Serdang Hospital. No signs of forced entry or sexual assault were reported, but her laptop, phone, cash, and ATM card were missing, with the card used multiple times post-murder.
The victim had been staying at Mutiara Ville, a shared unit provided by the university located about 1.5 km away from the main building.
Three suspects – a man and two women aged 19 to 20, known to the victim – were arrested between June 26 and 27 in Johor Bahru and Gemencheh, Negeri Sembilan. They were remanded for seven days until July 3 for investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty. Police are analysing CCTV and ATM footage to trace the suspects’ movements.
The case has ignited widespread outrage, with the hashtag #JusticeForManiisha trending as students and activists demand better safety measures at private universities.
The University of Cyberjaya, criticised for its initial silence, has pledged to enhance security protocols and is cooperating with authorities. Politicians, including Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, have called for a transparent investigation.
The minister expressed profound grief, describing the loss of the young physiotherapy student as a “heartbreaking tragedy” for someone pursuing a bright academic future.
“I am deeply saddened to receive news of the tragic death of Maniishapriet, a university student in Cyberjaya. The loss of a young woman who was on the path of academic pursuit and a bright future is a truly heartbreaking tragedy.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Maniishapriet. May they be granted strength and resilience in facing this difficult time,” she said.
Yeoh’s statement contributed to the growing public outcry, amplified by the hashtag #JusticeForManiisha, as students and activists criticised the university’s initial silence and inadequate security at student accommodations, fuelling demands for systemic safety reforms.
The sudden death of another relative during Maniishapriet’s funeral arrangements on June 26 compounded the tragedy. This incident has spotlighted safety lapses in student accommodations, prompting calls for mandatory security audits. — June 28, 2025
