Teenage Couple Charged with Murder of Malaysian University Student

In a shocking turn of events, a 19-year-old couple has been charged with murder in the death of Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara, a 20-year-old physiotherapy student at the University of Cyberjaya. The incident occurred on June 24, 2025, at the Mutiara Ville condominium in Sepang, Selangor, where Maniishapriet was found dead with significant injuries, raising serious concerns about safety in university accommodations and the broader implications for student welfare.

According to local media reports, M Sri Darvien has been charged with murder under Section 302 of the Malaysian Penal Code, which carries the potential for the death penalty or a lengthy prison sentence. His girlfriend, D Thineswary, has been charged with abetting the crime under Section 109 of the same code. The couple appeared at the Sepang Magistrate Court under heavy police escort, where no pleas were recorded due to the case falling under the jurisdiction of the High Court.

The court has set September 11 for the next mention of the case, during which post-mortem and chemical analysis reports will be submitted. Darvien's lawyer, M Manoharan, has requested that the case be expedited to High Court trial, as his client is ineligible for bail. Meanwhile, Thineswary's legal team is also advocating for a swift judicial process, highlighting the gravity of the accusations. Deputy Public Prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin has indicated that the prosecution requires time to finalize relevant documentation before the case can be transferred.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the Sepang police revealed that Maniishapriet's death resulted from blunt force trauma to the head. It has been reported that she was alone in the condominium unit, as her housemates had returned home for the holidays on June 21, leaving her to prepare for an upcoming examination. Furthermore, authorities disclosed that Darvien had accessed the unit using an access card and keys provided by Thineswary, who was not present in the unit during the incident.

The tragic death of Maniishapriet has sparked widespread calls for improved safety measures within university housing, especially given the increasing reports of violence on campus. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by students living away from home.

Additionally, the case has highlighted the need for universities to reassess security protocols and the adequacy of protections offered to students residing in campus accommodations. As investigations continue, many are left questioning how such a violent crime could occur within a supposed safe space for students.

As of now, the public awaits further developments in this high-profile case, which underscores both the personal tragedy for Maniishapriet's family and the imperative for systemic changes in student housing policies. The broader implications of this incident may lead to significant discussions about campus safety and student welfare in Malaysia's educational institutions.