Miss Grand Malaysia 2021 winner Lishalliny Kanaran has accused an Indian priest of molesting her during a temple visit in Sepang
Betrayal in a Sacred Space: What Happened at Mariamman Temple
Molestation Allegation by Beauty Queen – June 21, 2025, Malaysian beauty queen and actor Lishalliny Kanaran visited the Mariamman Temple in Sepang, seeking spiritual solace while her mother was away in India. Known for her Tamil heritage and advocacy work, Lishalliny had been frequenting the temple to deepen her spiritual connection.
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According to her detailed Instagram post, the priest, an Indian national temporarily officiating in place of the resident priest, approached her during prayers and offered a “special blessing” involving holy water from India and a protective string.
After waiting over an hour, she was invited into the priest’s private office, where the ritual allegedly took a disturbing turn. Lishalliny described being splashed with a strong-smelling liquid, unable to open her eyes, and then being asked to lift her Punjabi suit. When she refused, the priest allegedly scolded her for wearing tight clothes, stood behind her, and put his hands inside her blouse and bra, touching her inappropriately.
“My brain knew everything about that moment was wrong and yet I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak. I froze,” she wrote.
The incident left her traumatized and disgusted, especially given the sanctity of the location. She later confided in her mother, and a police complaint was filed on July 4. However, by the time authorities arrived at the temple, the priest had fled the premises, reportedly after previous complaints had gone unaddressed.
Police Investigation and Public Reaction
The Sepang District Police, led by ACP Norhizam Bahaman, confirmed that the suspect is an Indian national who was temporarily filling in for the temple’s regular priest. A manhunt has been launched, and the case is being investigated under Malaysian Penal Code for sexual assault.
“The suspect’s modus operandi was allegedly to sprinkle holy water on the victim’s face and body before proceeding to molest her,” ACP Norhizam stated.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across Malaysia and India. Social media platforms flooded with support for Lishalliny, praising her courage to speak out. Many users condemned the temple management, accusing them of covering up prior complaints to protect their reputation.
Lishalliny emphasized that she did not want pity but hoped her story would empower other women to speak out against abuse, even when it occurs in places meant to be safe and sacred.
“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,” she wrote.
Accountability, Faith, and the Fight for Justice
This case has reignited conversations about religious accountability, gender safety, and the power dynamics within spiritual institutions. While temples are revered as places of peace and purity, incidents like this expose the vulnerabilities women face, even in sacred spaces.
Legal experts and women’s rights advocates are calling for:
- Stricter vetting of religious officials, especially foreign nationals
- Transparent complaint mechanisms within religious institutions
- Public awareness campaigns to encourage reporting of misconduct
- Support systems for survivors of abuse in spiritual settings
The incident also raises questions about cross-border priest appointments, as the accused was reportedly brought in from India without thorough background checks. Malaysian authorities are now reviewing protocols for temporary religious officiants.
Meanwhile, Lishalliny’s bravery has become a rallying point for survivors of abuse. Her decision to go public, despite warnings from investigators to stay silent, reflects a growing movement to challenge impunity and demand justice.
Conclusion:
Lishalliny Kanaran’s ordeal is a painful reminder that abuse can occur even in the most sacred spaces. Her courage to speak out has sparked a national reckoning on religious accountability and women’s safety. As the manhunt continues, Malaysia must confront the uncomfortable truths behind temple walls—and ensure that sanctity never becomes a shield for silence.
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