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Actress Shamsunnahar Smriti, known by the stage name Pori Moni, has been granted bail in a case alleging assault, vandalism, and intimidation of businessman Nasir Uddin Mahmood, director of Savar Boat Club.
Pori Moni surrendered before the court of Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Judge Mohammad Junaid on Monday and petitioned for bail. The bail was then granted.
Nilanjana Rifat Suravi, Pori Moni’s lawyer, confirmed the decision.
On Sunday, Junaid had framed charges against the actress in the case and issued an arrest warrant against her if she failed to appear.
That day, defence counsel Suravi told bdnews24.com, “The hearing for framing of charges was set for today. But Pori Moni could not attend it due to illness, and we requested an adjournment.”
“The complainant’s side moved to proceed with the hearing. The court rejected our adjournment plea, framed charges, and cancelled Pori Moni’s bail, issuing an arrest warrant against her.”
On Mar 18, 2024, Inspector Monir Hossain of Police Bureau of Investigation, or PBI, the case’s investigation officer, submitted a probe report confirming the allegations against Pori Moni and co-accused Junaid Baghdadi Jimmy.
However, no specific charges were found against Fatema Tuz Jannat Bonny, another accused in the case.
On Apr 18, 2024, the court accepted the PBI’s investigation report and summoned Pori Moni.
She later surrendered on Jun 26 and secured bail.
Nasir filed the case with the Savar Police Station on Jul 6, 2022.
The PBI’s report said that on the evening of Jun 8, 2021, Pori Moni, with malicious intent, sought to trap the complainant, Nasir, into forming a personal connection.
She reportedly violated Boat Club rules by demanding a free parcel of three litres of Blue Label whiskey.
When denied, she allegedly threatened Nasir and threw an ashtray at him injuring him in the head.
The report also said she hurled glass bottles, ashtrays, and other items across the club bar, causing extensive damage.
Nasir suffered visible injuries, including wounds on his chest caused by shards of broken glass.
The investigation found prima facie evidence of offences under sections 323 and 506 of the Penal Code against Pori Moni.
The report also revealed that during the chaos, witness Tuhin Siddiqui intervened as Nasir urged the accused to leave the premises.
Junaid allegedly approached Nasir aggressively, verbally abused and punched him.
This supported the initial allegations under sections 323 and 506 against Junaid.
Fatema was present during the incident, but no specific evidence substantiating charges against her was found.