Remove Your Clothes, It’s A Blessing’: Miss Grand Malaysia Accuses Priest Of Se*ual Assault

In a shocking revelation that has sparked outrage across Malaysia and India, Lishalliny Kanaran, an Indian-origin actress, TV host, and winner of Miss Grand Malaysia 2021, has accused a Hindu priest of s*xual assault inside a temple in Sepang.

The incident reportedly took place on June 21, 2025, when Kanaran visited the Mariamman Temple alone for prayer. The priest, said to be an Indian national temporarily serving at the temple, allegedly lured her into his private quarters under the guise of giving a "special blessing."

"He said the holy water and thread were sacred and not meant for ordinary people," Kanaran wrote in her social media statement.

Once inside, she claims the priest poured a strong-smelling liquid into a bowl of water, which made her eyes sting and left her partially disoriented. According to Kanaran, the priest then reached inside her blouse and bra, touching her inappropriately while insisting she remove her clothing for a "blessing."

"He told me that undressing would please God... I froze," she said. "When I refused, he shamed me for wearing tight clothes and continued touching me."

Feeling betrayed and traumatised by the assault in what should have been a sacred and safe space, Kanaran remained silent for several days before confiding in her family. She filed a police complaint on July 4, but by the time officers arrived at the temple, the accused priest had already fled the premises.

Even more disturbing, Kanaran alleges that the investigating officer discouraged her from going public, warning her that "people will blame you instead." Despite this, she chose to speak out publicly on her social media platform, hoping to give strength to other women who may have faced similar abuse in silence.

"I will not be silenced. I shared this to make sure no one else goes through what I did," she wrote.

The case has prompted a manhunt by Malaysian police, who have launched an official investigation into the allegations. Temple authorities have yet to issue a formal response, but sources say they are cooperating with law enforcement.

This incident has reignited discussions around power abuse in religious institutions and the need for safe reporting mechanisms for survivors, especially in deeply traditional settings.