Malaysia hunts for temple priest accused of molesting Indian-origin actor

An Indian-origin actor and television host has accused a Hindu temple priest of molesting her, Malaysian authorities said. The actor, who is also a Miss Grand Malaysia pageant winner, accused the priest of touching her inappropriately after pouring what he claimed was "holy water from India". The actor alleged that the priest asked her to lift her suit during the ritual at the Mariamman Temple in Sepang.

The actor posted on her Instagram account about the alleged crime that took place on on June 21.

Sepang District Police Chief ACP Norhizam Bahaman said the offence was allegedly committed at the temple in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, a Kuala Lumpur-based news portal, Malay Mail, reported on Tuesday.

"The suspect is an Indian national who was temporarily filling the position because the temple's resident priest is currently abroad," the news website quoted Bahaman as saying.

SEPANG POLICE MANHUNT LAUNCHED TO NAB THE SUSPECT

The top cop said the suspect allegedly used a holy water ritual to molest the woman, who is also former Miss Grand Malaysia.

"The suspect's modus operandi was allegedly to sprinkle holy water on the victim’s face and body before proceeding to molest her," Bahaman added.

The case is being investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code for outrage of modesty, which is punishable by a prison term of up to 10 years, a fine, whipping, or any two of such punishments, upon conviction, Malay Mail reported.

Following the police report, a manhunt has been launched to track down the suspect who allegedly molested the victim at the temple.

The police have also urged those with information about the suspect to contact the investigating officer.

MALAYSIAN ACTOR SHARES ORDEAL ON INSTAGRAM

The former Miss Grand Malaysia took to Instagram to share the alleged incident that occurred on June 21.

In her post, the actor shared that she hadn't been deeply religious earlier but recently started visiting a temple and gradually learning more about her faith.

She went to the temple alone as her mother was in India.

The actor noted that the priest was present there to guide her through the rituals.

She said that after waiting over an hour because of the crowd, she was asked by the priest to follow him to the office located within the temple grounds.

"Inside the office, he asked me to sit while he stood," she wrote in the post.

"He poured something, a very strong-smelling liquid, like rose or flower essence, into the holy water. He said it was from India and that they don't usually give it to 'ordinary people'. He kept splashing that water on my face, so much that my eyes stung and I couldn't even open them," she added.

She further alleged that during the ritual, the priest allegedly started touching her inappropriately after splashing the "holy water" on her.

She added the priest had already fled the temple by the time she informed the temple management, according to the Malay Mail report.

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