Malaysian Model Lishalliny Kanaran Accuses Indian Priest of Touching Chest, Netizens Slam Misuse of Spiritual Role

Lishalliny Kanaran recently endured a deeply disturbing incident inside the revered Mariamman Temple, shaking her trust and leaving her feeling exposed and betrayed. What was meant to be a peaceful visit turned into a traumatic experience during a traditional blessing ceremony she had placed her full faith in.

The alleged violation took place last Saturday, prompting authorities to launch an urgent investigation. As news of the incident spread, people around the world began voicing their support for Lishalliny, standing firmly by her side in the fight for truth and justice.

Model Alleges Pujari Molested Her During Blessing Ritual

A visit meant for prayer turned into a painful ordeal for Lishalliny Kanaran last Saturday at the Mariamman Temple in Sepang. She shared her experience on Instagram, openly confronting what happened during the blessing ritual. Lishalliny Kanaran detailed that a Hindu priest, who usually guided her through the ceremonies, behaved inappropriately.

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A post shared by Lishalliny Kanaran (@lishallinykanaran)

The South China Morning Post reported that police launched a manhunt after she went public with her allegations. She also claimed receiving threats from an investigating officer who warned, “If you do, it will be your fault [and] you’ll be blamed.” Despite this, she decided to speak out. Lishalliny Kanaran said, “There’s a priest who would guide me through the rituals, since I’m new to all this.” 

She recalled he gave her holy water mixed with a strong-smelling liquid and asked her to follow him to his office. She alleged, “Then, without warning, he put his hands inside my blouse, into my bra, and started touching me inappropriately.” 

Lisha added, “My brain knew everything about that moment was wrong and yet I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak. I froze.” The shock lasted days, with the deepest pain coming from betrayal inside a sacred space. “I was MOLESTED by that priest. And I couldn’t react,” she said. 

Who Is Lishalliny Kanaran?

Lishalliny Kanaran hails from Selangor in Malaysia and studied Architecture at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. She earned the Miss Grand Selangor 2020 crown through a virtual selection amid Covid restrictions. In July 2021 she was crowned Miss Grand Malaysia after excelling in three elimination stages. Her graceful performance earned praise and widespread recognition across prestigious local and national Malaysian pageant circles. 

She debuted on Malaysian television in the 2023 Jeeyum Neeyum series, expanding her entertainment career. Currently she appears in the Astro Vinmeen web show Thigil, furthering her acting credentials steadily. Her rising fame and social media presence keep her profile relevant and influential across industry networks. 

Are Women Safe Anymore Even in Sacred Spaces?

The Lishalliny Kanaran incident raises concerns about women’s safety even in sacred spaces publicly nationwide. Critics question whether temples still offer protected environments or enable power abuses by authority figures. The shocking account shared by Malaysian model Lishalliny Kanaran has forced a difficult but necessary question into the spotlight: are women safe anymore, even in places considered most sacred?

Sadly, her story echoes several real-life incidents that have taken place in India over the years. In 2018, a 17-year-old girl in Madhya Pradesh’s Sehore district was raped by a temple priest and his aide. She had entered the temple seeking peace and guidance but was instead betrayed and brutalised. That same year, in Kerala, a 52-year-old priest was arrested for sexually assaulting a minor girl inside temple premises. These are not isolated incidents. They reflect a dangerous failure of institutions that were once trusted without question.

Temples and other sacred spaces have long been viewed as shelters of faith and healing. But these cases have shattered that belief for many. The presence of unchecked authority and lack of proper oversight has allowed some individuals to misuse their religious roles, leaving victims traumatised and silenced.

Advocates urge stricter oversight and transparent protocols for rituals to prevent future unwanted misconduct incidents. Shrines must balance spiritual sanctity with robust and proper protection measures for every visitor inside sanctuaries. This case pushes community leaders to reassess traditions and significantly improve safety for vulnerable worshippers. 

People Stand With Model, Demand Justice

As Lishalliny Kanaran’s harrowing account came to light, emotions ran high across social media. Outrage, heartbreak, and solidarity filled the digital space. What followed was a wave of raw, emotional responses from people who felt her pain, stood by her truth, and demanded justice.

One user poured their heart out, “My blood is boiling. A man trusted with sacred duties turned that trust into trauma. He’s not a priest—he’s a predator. I’m so sorry this happened to you. The pain, the betrayal… no one deserves this. And the worst part? They tried to silence you. But your voice—your truth—is louder than their lies. We see you. We believe you. And we stand with you, fiercely.”

Another deeply moved user wrote, “Reading this broke me. I can’t stop thinking about the fear and helplessness you must have felt. You showed courage many of us can’t even imagine. And instead of protecting you, they tried to protect themselves. Shame on them. Thank you for speaking up. You are not alone in this fight.”

A voice added, “Tears in my eyes reading your story. It’s not just heartbreaking—it’s enraging. You were vulnerable, trusting, and they used that against you. But not anymore. You’ve lit a fire in all of us. This won’t be swept under the rug. You have an army behind you now.”

These aren’t just comments, they’re cries of solidarity from people who refuse to let silence win. The emotional storm sparked by Lishalliny’s story is pushing a larger movement forward. It’s about justice. About safety and above all, about never letting another soul suffer in silence again.