Kuala Lumpur: Lishalliny Kanaran, a Malaysian model and Miss Grand Malaysia 2021, has accused an Indian-origin temple priest of molesting her inside a Hindu temple near Kuala Lumpur. The alleged incident took place on June 21 at the Mariamman Temple in Sepang, prompting a police investigation and a manhunt for the absconding priest.
In a video statement posted on Instagram, Kanaran said she visited the temple alone for a blessing when the substitute priest invited her into his office, where he allegedly molested her under the pretext of a religious ritual. She recounted that he splashed a strong-smelling liquid on her face and chest, claiming it was “holy water from India” that would remove her “karma,” before proceeding to put his hands into her blouse and bra.
“He said this is a blessing… He put his hand inside my blouse, my bra. I couldn’t speak. I froze,” Kanaran said in the video, holding back tears. She stated that the priest also uttered “it would be a blessing” while committing the act. Following the ordeal, she immediately left the premises and later lodged a police report on July 4. However, by that time, the accused priest had reportedly fled.
Sepang district police have confirmed receiving the report and are currently searching for the suspect.