A horrifying allegation of sexual misconduct has shaken the local community after actor, TV host, and former Miss Grand Malaysian Lishalliny Kanaran revealed that she was molested by a temple priest during a visit to a Hindu temple (Mariamman Temple Salak Tinggi) Selangor on 21st June 2025.
What was meant to be a quiet moment of spiritual reflection quickly turned into a traumatic experience for Lishalliny, a moment she now bravely shared in hopes of encouraging others to speak up.
A Search for Faith Ends in Violation
In a Instagram post, Lishalliny shared how she had recently found solace in spirituality and began visiting temples to learn more about her faith. On the day of the incident, she visited the temple alone, as her mother was abroad in India. She decided to go to the temple she always goes to and in that exact temple, there’s a priest who has previously guided her through rituals offered to bless her again with holy water and protective string.
After her prayers, the priest asked her to meet him in his office. As it was a Saturday, the temple was crowded, so Lishaliny had to wait for an hour and half. As she followed him, Lishalliny said something in her gut felt uneasy. As she sat, he stood up and allegedly splashed strong-scented water on her face, causing her eyes to sting and blur her vision. Then, under the guise of a spiritual ritual, the priest reached under her blouse and touched her inappropriately.
“My brain knew everything about that moment was wrong and yet I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak. I froze. I still don’t understand why”, she wrote.
She described the aftermath as agonising, stating that she couldn’t sleep and was haunted by flashbacks of the incident. For days, she kept quiet, unsure, ashamed, and internally conflicted, despite always having seen herself as brave and outspoken.
Confrontation and Disapperance
When her mother returned from India on 4th July, Lishalliny told her mom about the incident. Her mother was furious and told her two brothers and her father. They immediately lodged a police report. When they went to the temple to confront the priest, the temple authorities claimed the priest was no longer present, and gave no clear explanation about his whereabouts.
“Someone had already reported him before for the same thing and yet no action had been taken”.
Lishalliny’s courage in speaking out has sparked widespread support online. Many praised her bravery and shared messages of solidarity. Disturbingly, a few others also came forward in the comments, alleging similar experience at the same temple, intensifying public outrage over what should have been sacred and safe place.
However, the public response was not entirely empathetic. Some individuals began debating her attire, attempting to shift blame onto the victim by questioning what she wore during the incident, as in her post she mentioned that when the priest asked her to lift her blouse, she said she couldn’t as her blouse was tight. Addressing this, Lishalliny clarified with an image of her attire, that was a traditional Punjabi Suit that was long and appropriate.
Despite the criticism, the actress stood firm in her message, underlining that no outfit justifies harassment.
Ongoing Police Investigation and Manhunt
Following her report, the Sepang district police have launched a manhunt for the priest, who went missing. The priest in question is believed to be an Indian national temporarily filling in for the temple’s resident priest, who is current abroad.
Sepang police chief Assistant Commissioner Norhizam Bahaman confirmed that the case is being investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code for outrage of modesty, which can carry up to 10 years in prison, a fine, whipping or all three upon conviction.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to step forward. The public may contact Sepang police headquarters at 03-8777 4222 or reach out directly to Investigating Officer Inspector Sathiyan Balrajoo at 013-206 0771.
A Call for Awareness and Accountability
The incident has sparked conversations about the urgent need for greater oversight and accountability in religious institutions. As more voices come forward, it sheds light on how spiritual authority can sometimes be abused under the guise of ritual and why victims voices must be heard, respected, and protected.
If you’re in danger or need help, Here’s who to call:
For any women facing harassment, assault, or abuse, whether in public spaces, homes, workplaces, or even places of worship, you are not alone. In Malaysia, there are several hotlines and support services available 24/7 to offer help, guidance, and legal assistance.
1.Talian Kasih (15999): A 24-hour government-run helpline for women, who faces such issues. You can either call their hotline or Whatsapp them at 019 261 5999.
2. WAO Hotline (Women’s Aid Organisation): Call 03-3000 8858, or SMS/Whatsapp +6018 988 8058.
3. All Women’s Action Society (AWAM): Call their helpline 03-7877 0224 for information and support on gender based harassment and violence
4. Police Emergency (999): In urgent situations, don’t hesitate to contact the police directly.
Sources: Lishalliny’s Post, TRP
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
