Pori Moni's testimony in rape attempt case deferred as court told she has appendicitis
The court fixed 9 August as the next date for cross-examination.
A Dhaka court today (10 February) deferred recording the testimony of actor Shamsunnahar Smrity, popularly known as Pori Moni, in a case involving allegations of assault, threats, and sexual harassment after she failed to appear due to appendicitis-related illness.
The court fixed 9 August as the next date for cross-examination.
Judge Mohammad Shahadat Hossain Bhuiyan of Dhaka's Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal-9 set the new date following a hearing.
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Public Prosecutor Mst Nargis Parvin Mukti said the day had been scheduled for cross-examination. However, Pori Moni could not attend court due to illness linked to appendicitis.
On her behalf, lawyer Nilanjana Rifat Surovi submitted a petition seeking time.
According to the petition, Pori Moni underwent appendicitis surgery on 29 January and was unable to appear in court today.
The petition stated that additional time was essential for the cross-examination, otherwise she would suffer irreparable loss.
Earlier, on 26 May last year, Pori Moni appeared in court in connection with the case, but her cross-examination did not take place as she fell ill that day.
Pori Moni filed the case on 14 June 2021 at Savar Thana against six people, naming her costume designer Tuhin Siddique Omi and businessman Nasiruddin Mahmud, on charges of attempted rape and murder at the Dhaka Boat Club.
After the case was filed, Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Detective Branch (DB) launched an operation.
On the same day, DB police detained five people, including Nasir, from a house in Uttara. During the raid, a large quantity of liquor and yaba was seized from the house.
On 6 September 2021, the investigating officer, Inspector (Investigation) Kamal Hossain of Savar Model Thana, submitted a charge sheet against the three accused.
On 18 May 2022, the tribunal ordered the formal commencement of the trial by framing charges against three accused – Nasir, Omi, and Shahidul Alam.
Recording of Pori Moni's testimony began on 29 November of that year.
