Malaysian beauty queen and model Lishalliny Kanaran, crowned Miss Grand Malaysia 2021, has bravely come forward with serious allegations. She has accused an Indian-origin Hindu priest of sexual misconduct. The alleged incident occurred at the Mariamman Temple in Sepang, Malaysia, on June 21, 2025.
This deeply disturbing case has led to a nationwide manhunt for the accused. It has also sparked wide public discussion about abuse, faith, and justice in sacred spaces.
📌 Who Is Lishalliny Kanaran?
Lishalliny, also known as “Lisha,” is more than just a familiar face on the runway. Her influence in Malaysia’s entertainment and advocacy spaces has grown steadily in recent years.
She is not only a model but also an actress and public speaker. Lisha starred in the Malaysian Tamil drama Jeeyum Neeyum. She also appeared in the crime-thriller web series Thigil, where her performances received widespread praise.
She began her pageant journey by winning Miss Grand Selangor in 2020. Soon after, she was crowned Miss Grand Malaysia 2021. That victory took her to the Miss Grand International pageant. There, she placed in the Top 10 and won the Best National Costume award.
Lishalliny is also known for her commitment to social causes. She actively supports campaigns that fight period poverty and promote education for underprivileged children. These efforts reflect her deep desire to give back to the community.
Despite her public status, Lisha stays grounded. She speaks openly about issues affecting women, especially in marginalised communities. Her recent decision to speak out about sexual misconduct has shown her courage once again—not just as a model, but as a woman who stands for justice.
🕯️ What Happened at the Temple
On June 21, Lishalliny visited the Mariamman Temple in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi to deepen her spiritual practice. During the visit:
- A Promise of Blessings: An Indian priest, temporarily officiating in the absence of the resident priest, offered her what he called holy water and a protective string, asking her to come with him after the prayers.
- Waiting & Unease: She waited over an hour—feeling uneasy—before he asked her to enter his private office on the temple grounds.
- Assault Alleged: There, he allegedly splashed a strong-smelling liquid into holy water, causing her discomfort. He then touched her inappropriately, even instructing her to undress under the guise of a blessing, and placed his hands inside her blouse.
- Frozen in Fear: Shocked, Lishalliny says she froze, unable to speak or move.
- Immediate Aftermath: She filed a police complaint on July 4. By then, the priest had already fled. Disturbingly, it’s claimed he had been previously reported, yet remained in position.
🚨 Police Response & Investigation
Manhunt Launched: Sepang district police have launched a manhunt for the priest. Authorities believe he is an Indian national who was temporarily serving at the temple.
Legal Framework: Police are investigating the case under Section 354 of the Malaysian Penal Code. This section addresses “outrage of modesty” and carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, fines, whipping, or all three.
Travel Restrictions: Immigration authorities have blocked his passport and visa to prevent him from leaving the country. Police are actively tracking his movements.
🌍 Public & Social Reaction
- Widespread Outrage: Social media and Malay tabloids have rallied behind Lishalliny, praising her bravery and demanding accountability. Many survivors have come forward sharing similar experiences at the same temple.
- Temple Management’s Silence: Lishalliny’s family alleges that temple authorities prioritised protecting their reputation over aiding the investigation, further inflaming public anger.
- #SpeakUp Culture: She urged other victims not to stay silent, raising awareness about abuse in places of worship.
💬 Lishalliny’s Voice & Message
In her moving Instagram post, she revealed:
“I didn’t speak. I froze… That betrayal is what cuts the deepest. I was MOLESTED by that priest.
She added:
“I’m not writing this to victimise myself…I’m writing this to voice out so that anyone else who has gone through something like this knows; you are not to blame.
Her words reflect courage, vulnerability, and keen insight. Despite initial encouragement to stay silent, including from an investigating officer warning, “If you do, it will be your fault”,—she chose transparency over fear.
📣 Broader Implications
- Trust in Sacred Spaces: This incident has shaken the belief that religious spaces are inherently safe, pushing for more rigorous safeguarding and accountability.
- Duty of Religious Institutions: There’s increasing pressure on temples and spiritual centres to implement stricter vetting, transparent complaint mechanisms, and survivor support.
- Empowerment through Disclosure: Lishalliny’s disclosure reinforces the importance of speaking out and serves as a reminder of the power of collective action: if one voice is heard, many can no longer stay silent.
✅ Final Takeaway
Lishalliny Kanaran’s experience is deeply unsettling, but her bravery in speaking out is a catalyst for change. It raises critical questions about the balance of power, accountability in religious institutions, and the shared responsibility to protect the vulnerable. As Malaysia’s investigation continues and public support grows, this story is a stark call for justice, reform, and empathy.
SEO keywords: Lishalliny Kanaran, Malaysian model, Indian priest accused, temple misconduct, sexual assault in Malaysia, Miss Grand Malaysia.
