A Malaysian model has publicly accused a Hindu priest of molesting her while pretending to perform a religious blessing at a temple. Lishalliny Kanaran, who was crowned Miss Grand Malaysia in 2021, shared her experience in a poignant social media post, detailing the alleged incident that took place last Saturday at the Mariamman Temple in Sepang.
According to the South China Morning Post, police have initiated a manhunt for the accused priest following Kanaran's revelation. She initially sought to pursue the legal route but chose to speak out after experiencing intimidation from law enforcement. Kanaran alleged that the investigating officer attempted to dissuade her from going public, warning her, “If you do, it will be your fault [and] you’ll be blamed.” After this threat, she felt compelled to share her story online.
In her post, Kanaran explained that she had relied on the priest for guidance during rituals, as she was unfamiliar with the practices. She recounted how he approached her during a prayer session, offering a special blessing with holy water and a protective string. Despite feeling uneasy, she followed him to his office within the temple.
“Inside the office, he asked me to sit while he stood,” she said. “He poured a strong-smelling liquid, resembling rose or flower essence, into the holy water, claiming it was from India and not typically given to ordinary people.”
What transpired next was distressing. Kanaran alleged that the priest splashed water on her face repeatedly until she could not open her eyes. “Then he allegedly asked me to lift my suit. When I refused, he criticised me for wearing a tight outfit, splashed water again, and positioned himself behind me,” she wrote. It was at this moment that the alleged assault occurred.
“Without warning, he put his hands inside my blouse, into my bra, and began touching me inappropriately,” she recounted. “I knew everything about that moment was wrong, yet I couldn’t move or speak. I froze, and I still don’t understand why.”
Kanaran expressed that she was in shock for several days, struggling to process the incident. “That betrayal is what cuts the deepest. I won’t go into more detail, but I was MOLESTED by that priest, and I couldn’t react.”
The case has ignited outrage on social media, with calls for swift justice and a thorough investigation. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the priest has been apprehended.
