Police are currently seeking a temple priest accused of sexually assaulting a 27-year-old woman at a Hindu temple in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, Sepang. According to Sepang district police chief ACP Norhizam Bahaman, the alleged incident took place on July 4 and is now under investigation.
In a statement yesterday, Norhizam revealed that the suspect is an Indian national who was temporarily serving as the temple priest while the regular priest is overseas. He further explained that the suspect allegedly carried out the act by first sprinkling holy water on the victim’s face and body, before proceeding to molest her.
The case is being investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which pertains to assault or use of criminal force with intent to outrage modesty. If found guilty, the accused could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine, whipping, or any combination of these penalties.
Police are calling on anyone with information about the suspect to come forward and assist with the investigation. They can contact the investigating officer, Inspector Sathiyan Balrajoo, at 013-206 0771, or reach out to the Sepang District Police Headquarters at 03-8777 4222.
In an Instagram post on Monday, a local Indian actress and television host claimed that a temple priest approached her during prayer, offering to bless her and tie a protective string.
She alleged that the priest then took her to his office, where he splashed what he claimed was holy water on her before proceeding to touch her inappropriately.
The actress stated that she lodged a police report on July 4 and added that by the time she informed the temple management about the incident, the priest had already fled the premises.
Source: Malay Mail
