Malaysian police have launched a manhunt for a Hindu priest accused of molesting a beauty queen under the pretence of giving her a blessing at a temple.
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The incident occurred last Saturday at Mariamman Temple in Sepang, a short distance from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It only came to light when the victim, actor and television host Lishalliny Kanaran, decided to go public with her allegations on Tuesday, sharing them on social media.
The suspect is believed to be an Indian national temporarily officiating at the temple during the absence of its resident priest, according to Sepang district police chief Norhizam Bahaman.
The suspect’s modus operandi was allegedly to sprinkle holy water on the victim’s face and body before proceeding to molest her
“The suspect’s modus operandi was allegedly to sprinkle holy water on the victim’s face and body before proceeding to molest her,” Norhizam said.
Kanaran, who was crowned Miss Grand Malaysia in 2021, alleged the ordeal was compounded by threats from the investigating officer, who she claimed warned her against publicising the assault, saying: “If you do, it will be your fault [and] you’ll be blamed.”
Choosing not to follow this dubious advice, Kanaran took to social media to describe the incident in harrowing detail.
She wrote that she had been on a “path forward” towards greater spirituality when the priest instructed her to enter an office, splashed her with a “very strong-smelling liquid” that stung her eyes and then groped her chest. He allegedly told her to undress, insisting “it would be a ‘blessing’ if I did ‘it’ with him because he serves God”, she said.