MUMBAI, Feb. 22 -- A special court under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act has granted bail to Raju Sampat Dheringe, a clerk in the office of the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) minister Narhari Zirwal, who was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for allegedly demanding a Rs.50,000 bribe to facilitate a temporary stay on the suspension of a medical shop licence at the Mantralaya. Allowing the bail application, special judge Shayana Patil observed that the case involved the "demand and acceptance of bribe by an employee of Mantralaya itself", which "has the seriousness in the eyes of the public". However, the court held that "the investigation appears to be almost over and any reasonable ground is not made out for his further detention in custody". According to the prosecution, the complainant had applied for a 12-day stay on the suspension of his Moonlight Medical and General Store licence with the concerned department at Mantralaya. Court records state that Dheringe allegedly demanded Rs.50,000, a demand that was later confirmed by a senior official in the department. On February 12, Dheringe was caught red-handed accepting Rs.35,000 during a trap laid by the ACB. Opposing bail, the prosecution argued that the accused could influence witnesses or tamper with evidence if released. The defence countered that Dheringe has no prior criminal record, is a government employee with stable roots in society, and that further custody was unnecessary as the investigation is substantially complete. Granting bail, the court directed Dheringe to furnish a personal bond of Rs.50,000 with sureties and imposed conditions including mandatory attendance at the ACB office every Thursday between 3 pm and 5 pm until the charge sheet is filed. The case is significant given the earlier controversy around ACB action in FDA minister Zirwal's office and the potential of oversight at the ministerial level....