THE family of Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara, the university student found dead earlier this week in her Cyberjaya residence, has been hit by a second tragedy just days after her murder, as another relative passed away suddenly while attending to her funeral arrangements.
Maniishapriet, 20, was discovered with head injuries in her student accommodation on Tuesday. Three suspects – a man and two women aged between 19 and 20 – have since been arrested in connection with the case, following coordinated police operations in Johor Bahru and Gemencheh.
Datuk Rajpal Singh, a lawyer and uncle to the deceased, confirmed the arrests and expressed appreciation for the police's swift action, though he said he had yet to speak directly with investigators.
“I don’t know how to respond. We are in shock over the loss of another family member this morning,” he said when contacted.
Rajpal explained that his 57-year-old cousin, who had travelled from Johor Bahru to attend Maniishapriet’s funeral, died in the early hours of Friday after complaining of breathing difficulties.
“I received a call saying she was unwell and needed to be taken to hospital, but she passed away not long after. I don’t know the exact cause, but perhaps it was exhaustion and stress,” he said.
Her cremation will take place at the same facility in Jalan Loke Yew where Maniishapriet was laid to rest on Thursday.
Earlier, Sepang District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Norhizam Bahaman confirmed the arrests were made within 48 hours of the initial report. The investigation is being led by teams from Bukit Aman, the Selangor police contingent, and the Sepang district police headquarters.
While police have not disclosed the motive, investigations are ongoing. - June 27, 2025
