Cover image via 
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
The brutal killing of a 20-year-old university student in her dormitory unit in Cyberjaya has triggered an outpouring of grief and anger on social media
Here's a breakdown of what is currently known about the case.
The victim has been identified as Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara, a 20-year-old Bachelor of Physiotherapy student at the University of Cyberjaya (UoC).
She was originally from Kuching, Sarawak.
Maniishapriet was found dead in her room at Mutiara Ville, a condominium in Cyberjaya, by a friend on the morning of 24 June.
The discovery was made around 10am, after her friend entered the unit and found her body with visible injuries, reported FMT.
The victim, Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara.
Image via SCMPHow did she die?
Maniishapriet was found bludgeoned to death.
Sepang district police chief ACP Norhizam Bahaman confirmed that Maniishapriet died from blunt force trauma to the head.
A post-mortem ruled out sexual assault.
"The autopsy confirmed the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head. However, no injuries indicative of sexual assault were found," Norhizam said.
There were also other physical injuries on her body, including a significant head wound. Police found no signs of forced entry into her unit.
However, several of the victim's belongings were found to be missing, including, a laptop, an iPhone, cash, and two bank cards, including an ATM card.
Sepang police chief ACP Norhizam Bahaman.
Image via Hairul Anuar Rahim/New Straits TimesWhere did the murder take place?
The murder occurred at Mutiara Ville, a condominium in Cyberjaya that also serves as official student housing provided by UoC.
"Yes, the unit in question is a hostel used by university students and provided by the higher education institution as student accommodation," Norhizam confirmed.
Maniishapriet had been staying in the unit with five other housemates, but they had gone home for the term break on 21 June, leaving her alone. She had stayed behind to sit for her exams.
What do we know about the suspect?
Police have yet to name a suspect, but Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that a male suspect used Maniishapriet's ATM card to withdraw money shortly after the murder.
Between five and six ATM withdrawals were detected around Kuala Lumpur.
"The footage [from the ATMs] will be used to identify the suspect and narrow down his location," he told the New Straits Times today, 26 June.
A manhunt is currently underway.
The incident has triggered a wave of outrage on social media
Many are questioning the safety of student housing and criticising the university's handling of the situation.
"Maniisha was reportedly murdered in her own university hostel, the one place she should've been safe yet there's still no media coverage or justice. How many more lives need to be lost before anyone pays attention?" a female student said in a post on X last night, 25 June.
Other users described Mutiara Ville as poorly maintained and lacking proper security.
"The hostel is just a cheap way for the university to squeeze money out of students. The place is practically abandoned, just running water and electricity, that's it," said one.
"I've been there once and it's probably the dodgiest place in Cyberjaya. Dark, no CCTV, barely any guards, like something out of a horror movie," added another.
According to several others, while access cards are required for entrance, parking, and lift, anyone on foot can sneak into the building.
"Some entry points are completely deserted," said one.
"For those living in Cyberjaya, please stay safe. This isn't the first time a student, especially a female student, has been assaulted," wrote another.
The hashtag #JusticeForManiisha has begun trending as people continue demanding justice.
UoC has faced backlash online for remaining silent in the immediate aftermath of the incident
Dozens of comments flooded the university's official social media accounts, many criticising it for continuing to post promotional content while the case unfolded.
"You were busy promoting the university just six hours ago. What action has been taken?" one user asked.
A check by SAYS found that UoC has since disabled comments in all its Facebook and Instagram posts.
Others called the silence "beyond cruel" and accused the institution of lacking empathy and accountability.
In a subsequent update, the university issued a memorial notice titled "Remembering Maniishapriet Kaur", inviting staff and students to a moment of remembrance on Thursday, 26 June, at 6pm at its campus.
According to Malay Mail, the university said it is also working with security experts to review and enhance its existing safety protocols.
"The safety of our students, their families, and the surrounding community remains our utmost priority," it said, as reported by Malay Mail.
