Maniishapriet's parents inconsolable, says uncle

New Straits Times

10-07-2025

SEPANG: Still mourning the loss of their daughter, the parents of university student Maniishapriet Kaur Akhara, 20, who was murdered, were not present at court today, where two individuals were charged in connection with her death.
Her uncle, prominent criminal lawyer Datuk Rajpal Singh, said the family remained deeply traumatised.
"They are currently in Kuching, Sarawak, and continue to grieve deeply over her death. They are far too distraught to travel to Kuala Lumpur.
"They may attend when the trial proper begins," he told the New Straits Times.
Rajpal also said that another uncle of Maniishapriet was absent as he was in Johor Baru following the death of his wife. She had travelled from Johor Baru to assist the family after Maniishapriet's death but tragically died after complaining of shortness of breath.
Maniishapriet was found dead with head injuries at Block A, Mutiara Ville, Persiaran Multimedia, Cyberjaya, on June 24.
M. Sri Darvien, 19, an odd-job worker, has been charged with her murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code.
His co-accused, D. Thineswary, also 19 and a student, was charged with abetting Darvien under Section 109, read with Section 302 of the Penal Code.
Both were brought before magistrate Khairatul Animah Jelani, who denied them bail.
No plea was recorded as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Both accused appeared calm in the dock and confirmed they understood the charges read to them.
Rajpal, along with lawyers Raspreet Kaur and Sarabmeet Singh, held a watching brief on behalf of the victim's family during the proceedings.
Earlier, the arrival of the two suspects — under tight escort by officers from the Sepang District Police's Criminal Investigation Department — drew a sizeable crowd at the magistrate's court.
More than 30 members of the media had gathered outside the courtroom. The accused arrived in two separate police vehicles at 8.55am.
Police presence around the courthouse was notably heavy.
Sepang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Norhizam Bahaman and his deputy, Superintendent Shan Gopal Krishnan, were seen seated in the public gallery throughout the packed hearing.
Rajpal said their presence reflected their commitment to the case.
"They were personally involved in the investigation — hands-on and went the extra mile.
"They even visited Maniishapriet's parents when they were here.
"They acted swiftly in identifying and arresting the suspects," he added.
Before the proceedings began, several of Maniishapriet's friends arrived in a show of support, some donning T-shirts bearing the logo of humanitarian organisation United Sikhs Malaysia.
After the hearing concluded, a group believed to be relatives of the accused waited by a special exit passage. They declined to speak when approached about their relationship to the suspects.
The group watched in silence as Darvien and Thineswary were led away at 11.18am and transported to prison in police vehicles.