Lishalliny Kanaran, Miss Grand Malaysia 2021, has publicly accused an Indian priest of molesting her under the guise of a blessing at the Mariamman Temple in Sepang, near Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The disturbing allegations, shared by Kanaran on Instagram, have prompted a police manhunt for the accused priest.
Kanaran stated that the priest, an Indian national temporarily serving at the crowded temple, approached her during a prayer visit on June 21, claiming he had "some holy water and a protective string to tie" for her.
Despite feeling "uneasy," Kanaran followed the priest into his office. There, she recounted, he poured a "very strong-smelling liquid, like rose or flower essence" into holy water, claiming it was from India and not for "ordinary people." He then repeatedly splashed the water on her face, making it difficult for her to open her eyes.
It was during this vulnerable moment, Kanaran alleges, that the molestation occurred. "Then, without warning, he put his hands inside my blouse, into my bra, and started touching me inappropriately," she wrote. Kanaran described freezing in shock, unable to speak or understand why. The priest also allegedly told her to undress, insisting "it was 'for my good,'" and reportedly scolded her when she declined to lift her Punjabi suit. "He said it would be a 'blessing' if I did 'it' with him because he serves God."
While the Malaysian police have since launched a manhunt for the Indian priest, here are five things to know about the former beauty queen:
1.) Lishalliny Kanaran is an architecture student and a prominent figure on social media.
2.) In 2020, she was crowned Miss Grand Selangor at the age of 24.
3.) A year later, Miss Grand Malaysia 2021 was held virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions. Kanaran participated in the three-stage selection process, ultimately being crowned the winner of the beauty pageant.
4.) In 2023, she expanded into acting, appearing in the Malaysian TV series Jeeyum Neeyum and later featuring in the web show Thigil.
5.) Kanaran won Miss Grand Malaysia 2021 on her third attempt. She is passionate about supporting causes such as period poverty and children's education.
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