Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder of Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara, a 20-year-old university student who was found dead in her condominium unit in Cyberjaya on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
Suspects Caught Within 48 Hours
The suspects, two women and one man, aged between 19 and 20, were arrested during coordinated police operations between 9 am on Thursday, 26 June, and 2 am on Friday, 27 June.
Authorities from Bukit Aman, Selangor, and the Sepang district carried out the arrests in Johor Bahru and Gemencheh, Negeri Sembilan.
Suspects Personally Knew The Victim
Assistant Commissioner Norhizam Bahaman, the Sepang District Police Chief, confirmed that the suspects were all personally acquainted with the victim.
Sin Chew Daily reported that the male suspect is believed to be the boyfriend of one of Maniishapriet’s housemates.
Court Grants Seven-Day Remand
On the morning of Friday, 27 June, the suspects were brought to the Sepang Sessions Court, where Magistrate Azaraorani Abdul Rahman granted a seven-day remand order until Thursday, 3 July.
The trio arrived at court at around 8.30 am in handcuffs under police escort.
This was to assist the ongoing investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code, NST reported.
“After Losing Our Niece, We Lost Another Family Member”
In a heartbreaking development, the victim’s family suffered a second loss three days after the victim’s death.
The victim’s uncle, lawyer Datuk Rajpal Singh, told Harian Metro that a 57-year-old female relative who had come from Johor Bahru to assist with funeral arrangements died around 3 am on Friday, 27 June.
Rajpal stated that she had complained of shortness of breath and passed away shortly after being taken to the hospital.
“She came from Johor Bahru to assist with Manisha’s funeral. I got a call saying she was unwell and needed to be taken to the hospital. But she was later confirmed dead. I’m not sure of the cause, but it may have been due to exhaustion and stress.”
Her cremation was held at Jalan Loke Yew, the same location as Maniishapriet’s funeral on Thursday, 26 June.
Rajpal added that he first learned about the suspects’ arrest through the media and has left the investigation in the hands of the police.
“I found out about the arrests through news reports. I haven’t had time to contact the investigating officer because we’re busy handling the funeral. I am thankful, and we fully trust the police to carry out their investigation.”
Leaders Urge Justice and Reform
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh took to Facebook to share her condolences with the family, expressing sorrow over the loss and urging authorities to act promptly in pursuing justice.
She described Maniishapriet’s death as deeply heartbreaking and urged police to act decisively.
“I am saddened to receive news of the tragic death of Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara, a university student in Cyberjaya. The loss of a young person with a bright academic future is a truly heartbreaking tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences to Maniishapriet’s family and loved ones. May they be given strength and resilience in facing this ordeal.
I urge the police to conduct a thorough investigation in the name of justice for Maniishapriet and to ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice swiftly.”
The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) Women’s Wing leader N Saraswati called for better safety measures for students and stronger institutional protection.
University Suspends Two Students, Tightens Security
In response to developments, the University of Cyberjaya suspended two students believed to be connected to the case.
The suspension took effect on Friday, 27 June, reflecting the university’s zero-tolerance stance on safety breaches, Malay Mail reported.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr David Whitford stated:
“We are deeply saddened by the recent events and are taking firm, immediate steps to ensure our community feels protected and supported.”
The university has since tightened its security and deployed additional security personnel at off-campus student residences.
University and Community Pay Tribute
On Sunday, 29 June, the University of Cyberjaya published a tribute post on Instagram, honouring Maniishapriet’s life and memory.
“Today we bid farewell to Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara… Our hearts are heavy as we remember a cherished member of our University family whose presence touched so many.”
A candlelight vigil was also held last week by students and faculty in her honour.
Case Background: What Happened to Maniishapriet?
Last week, it was reported that Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara, a 20-year-old physiotherapy student from Kuching, Sarawak, was found dead in her condominium room at Mutiara Ville, Cyberjaya, on 24 June 2025.
She had been alone in the unit, preparing for exams while her roommates were away for the semester break.
Police found no signs of forced entry, and a post-mortem confirmed she died from blunt force trauma to the head. Sexual assault was also ruled out.
Read more here.
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