Pori Moni, Helena case investigations in final stages 

The investigations in the cases filed against actor Pori Moni and Helena Jahangir are in the final stages, according to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

"The CID is investigating 15 cases against different persons including Pori Moni, Helena Jahangir, Raj, and Piyasha. Interrogation of the accused and witnesses is in the final stages," said CID Chief Mahbubur Rahman, talking to the media at CID headquarters in Malibagh of the capital on Tuesday.

He hoped the CID would be able to submit police reports of those cases within one or one and half months, upon receiving the forensic reports.

He said, aside from the accused, the CID has called and questioned many others in the course of their investigation. For now, they do not plan to call upon anyone else.

Rahman said, "We have sought information from the central bank to investigate whether the accused have committed financial crimes. However, we do not want to say everything right now about an ongoing investigation."

Responding to criticism about Pori Moni being taken into remand thrice for one case, the CID chief said, "We did not interrogate her the first time. We only interrogated her when she was remanded a second time and we sought her remand for the third time as some of the information obtained during the previous interrogation needed to be corroborated, compared, and verified. The CID wants to avoid any mistakes in the investigation report."

Asked what information the CID got regarding alcohol and drugs found in the homes of Pori Moni and Piyasha, the additional IGP said, "There is evidence of narcotics found in their possession. However, chemical and forensic tests are being done to determine if those are drugs at all.

Asked what kind of financial crime data was found in the 15 cases, the CID chief said, "At this stage of the investigation, we are verifying the information related to money laundering. There are two stages in money laundering cases. One is scrutinising, the other is inquiry. We are at the inquiry stage now. Reports have to be obtained from 22 places. After receiving all the reports, if it seems that money laundering has taken place, then we will investigate further."

On 29 July, RAB conducted a drive at Helena Jahangir's residence and arrested her. They also seized a large quantity of narcotics and gambling materials.

Later, she was shown arrested on charges of spreading falsehood, propaganda, and misinformation using digital platforms.

Actor Pori Moni was arrested in a raid on her Banani residence in the capital on 4 August where there was reportedly a huge quantity of foreign liquor as well as LSD, other drugs, and paraphernalia.

In this connection, a case was filed with Banani police station under the Narcotics Control Act. She is now at Kashimpur Jail failing to be granted bail despite filing bail pleas several times.

Cases filed against Pori Moni, Helena, and others in connection, were handed over to the CID.