A Dhaka court on Tuesday deferred the charge-framing hearing in a narcotics case against actress Pori Moni and two others, fixing 17 November for the next hearing after she could not appear in court due to worsening pain from a recent leg injury.
Judge Md Rabiul Alam of Dhaka Special Judge Court-10 set the new date following a defence petition, said State Prosecutor Md Moazzem Hossain.
Pori’s lawyer Nilanjona Rifat appeared in court and sought an adjournment. She said Pori had suffered a leg injury a few days earlier and was finding it difficult to move because of the pain.
The prosecution opposed the petition. Moazzem Hossain sought cancellation of Pori’s bail and an order framing charges. He also opposed allowing her appearance through her lawyer, arguing that she had sought time for years without appearing in court.
The court, however, allowed the defence petition and fixed 17 November for the hearing.
According to case documents, RAB raided Pori’s Banani residence on 4 August 2021 and said it recovered alcohol and drugs. She was later arrested and a narcotics case was filed against her. She was released after spending about a month in jail.
On 4 October 2021, CID Inspector Kazi Golam Mostafa, the investigating officer, submitted a charge sheet against Pori and two others. The court framed charges on 5 January 2022. The other accused are Pori’s manager Ashraful Islam Dipu and maternal uncle Kabir Hossain Hawladar.
Pori later moved the High Court seeking to quash the case. On 1 March 2022, the High Court issued a rule and stayed proceedings against her for three months. Later, the apex court ordered the charges to be framed afresh.
