Court Report: A domestic worker has brought charges of “physical abuse” against Pori Moni, alleging that the actress was under the “influence of drugs” during the crime. On Tuesday, Pinky Akhter, the actress’s childminder, lodged the case with the court of Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Nazmin Akhter. Pinky had previously reported the incident to the police on Apr 4, alleging that she had been assaulted by Pori Moni, whose real name is Shamsunnahar Smriti.

The court recorded her statement and directed the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) to investigate the matter and submit a report by May 8. Pori Moni’s flatmate Sourav, 28, identified by a single name, has also been named as an accused in the case. Pinky’s lawyer Nasidus Zaman Nishan confirmed the filing of the case. Pinky is the daughter of Mozammel, from Fadulia village in MougatiUnion, located in Netrokona Sadar Upazila.

On Apr 4, she went to Vatara Police Station and accused Pori Moni of physically assaulting her after a child in her care had “taken a fall”. Vatara Police chief Mazharul Islam had stated at the time that the complaint would be looked into.

That same night, Pori Moni appeared in a Facebook Live stream, describing the allegation of assaulting her domestic worker as a “conspiracy”. She said she had “evidence” in her favour and intended to respond to the allegations through legal means. Following media coverage of the incident, an “angry” Pori Moni urged journalists to refrain from engaging in a “media trial”.

In the case filed on Tuesday, Pinky said she began working at Pori Moni’s residence as a housemaid in March 2024 through an agency called Kader Agency. Though she was hired to care for one child, she was made responsible for two, along with cooking during the day and night.

According to the complaint, on Apr 2 at around 1pm, Pori Moni went to her makeup room and allegedly took drugs. She then entered the children’s room and began verbally abusing Pinky using obscene language.

When Pinky asked why she was being abused, Pori Moni replied, “Why are you preparing milk for my child? They are supposed to eat solid food now.” Pinky responded that she had prepared the milk in line with the child's “feeding routine”. According to Pinky, Pori Moni then became enraged and slapped her repeatedly on the head, face, and eyes until she lost consciousness. The complaint also claims that Sourav was present during the incident and encouraged Pori Moni to continue the assault.

It further states that Pinky called the emergency services at 999 and was safely taken from the scene with police assistance. She later received treatment at Kurmitola General Hospital. Following the incident, Pinky filed a general diary with Vatara Police Station on Apr 4. However, as no progress was made, she proceeded to file the case in court, according to the statement in the complaint.

Sunnews/ra