PETALING JAYA: The death of 20-year-old Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara, a University of Cyberjaya physiotherapy student, has sparked widespread calls for accountability and reforms to ensure student safety.
Her death sparked an outpouring of grief and outrage online, with politicians, activists and members of the public demanding answers and justice.
In a Facebook post, deputy housing and local government minister Aiman Athirah Sabu expressed her condolences and called the murder “shocking”.
“I urge that the investigation be carried out transparently, fairly and urgently to ensure justice is upheld and the truth is revealed,” she said, adding she was also closely monitoring Sepang police for updates on the case.
Maniishapriet, who hailed from Kuching, Sarawak, was found in her condominium unit in Cyberjaya with injuries on her body by a friend on Tuesday.
This morning, Sepang police chief Norhizam Bahaman confirmed her death was due to blunt force trauma to the head.
“Investigations at the scene found no signs that her residence had been broken into. Checks on the victim’s body found wounds on her head.
“There were no injuries consistent with rape,” he said in a statement.
MIC women’s leader N Saraswati said students deserve to feel safe where they live and study.
“Immediate and firm action must be taken. Let us honour her memory by demanding and pushing for better protection measures for our students,” she said.
Women, family, and community development minister Nancy Shukri also visited Maniishapriet’s family during the funeral proceedings at the Loke Yew Crematorium this morning.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family on their heartbreaking loss. I trust the relevant authorities will conduct the investigation transparently and with integrity so that justice may prevail,” she said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, University of Cyberjaya has faced mounting criticism on social media for its silence following Maniishapriet’s death.
Dozens of comments have been left on the university’s official social media pages demanding accountability, with many rallying around the hashtag #justiceformaniisha.
Many accused the institution of insensitivity after it posted promotional content in the hours following the incident.
“You were busy promoting the university just six hours ago. What action has been taken?” one user asked.
Others described the silence as “beyond cruel”, with many users questioning the safety and management of student accommodation.
