Pori Moni faces court cross-examination

NN Online:
Actress Shamsunnahar Smriti, widely known as Pori Moni, appeared at the Dhaka Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal on Monday morning for her cross-examination in a case involving allegations of assault and sexual harassment at the Savar Boat Club.

She arrived at the court around 11am. Her lawyer, Nilanjana Rifat Surovi, confirmed that the court had scheduled the cross-examination, during which defence lawyers would question the actress.

The case stems from an incident on June 8, 2021, when Pori Moni alleged that she was harassed at the Savar Boat Club in Birulia, located on the banks of the Turag River.

Days later, on June 13, the actress made a Facebook post stating, “I have been subjected to physical abuse. An attempt was made to rape and murder me. I want justice.” Addressed to the Prime Minister, the post quickly went viral and sparked widespread public attention.

Later that day, Pori Moni held a press conference at her Gulshan residence, further elaborating on her allegations. The following day, she filed a formal complaint at Savar Model Police Station, accusing the suspects of attempted rape, attempted murder, and assault.

In response, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch swiftly arrested businessman Nasir Uddin Mahmood and his associate Tuhin Siddique Omi from their residence in Uttara’s Sector 1.

Following an investigation, Savar Model Police Station Inspector Kamal Hossain submitted a charge sheet to the court on September 7, 2021, naming three accused: Nasir Uddin Mahmood, Tuhin Siddique Omi, and Shahidul Alam.

On May 18, 2022, the court formally indicted the trio and initiated the trial proceedings, which continue with the latest development being Pori Moni’s cross-examination.