Mumbai, August 7, 2019 – The Special Court under the Prevention of Corruption Act for Gr. Mumbai has granted bail to Anil Shankar Mhaske, a corporation employee, who was arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in connection with a bribery case. Special Judge Ashutosh N. Karmarkar passed the order on August 6, 2019, allowing Mhaske’s bail application.

Mhaske was apprehended on August 3, 2019, in connection with ACB Mumbai C.R. No. 26 of 2019, registered under Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act. He was initially in police custody until August 5, 2019, after which he was remanded to judicial custody. In his bail application (Bail Application No. 688 of 2019 in ACB Remand Application No. 864 of 2019), Mhaske claimed innocence and alleged false implication in the case. He stated that he is a permanent resident of Govandi, Mumbai.

The prosecution opposed the bail application, citing that the investigation was at a preliminary stage and that one of the accused was yet to be arrested. They also raised concerns that the applicant might pressurize the witnesses if released on bail.

However, after hearing arguments from both the defense and the prosecution, Special Judge Karmarkar decided to grant bail to Mhaske. The court noted that the applicant is a serving employee in the corporation and a resident of Mumbai, indicating a low risk of absconding. The court also acknowledged that the allegedly tainted amount had already been recovered from Mhaske and that his voice sample was yet to be taken, suggesting that a substantial part of the initial investigation was already completed.

Judge Karmarkar observed that further detention of the applicant appeared unwarranted, especially considering that the prescribed punishment for the alleged offences extends up to seven years of imprisonment. Regarding the prosecution’s concerns about potential witness intimidation and the ongoing investigation, the court stated that these could be addressed by imposing certain conditions on the bail.

Consequently, the court allowed Mhaske’s bail application with the following conditions:

1. Anil Shankar Mhaske shall be released on bail upon executing a Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond of ₹15,000 and submitting a surety bond of the same amount with one or more sureties.
2. He is strictly prohibited from tampering with any evidence or influencing the prosecution witnesses in any manner.
3. Mhaske is required to attend the office of the Investigating Officer (I.O.) every alternate Sunday, commencing from August 18, 2019, between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m., for a period of two months or until the chargesheet is filed, whichever is earlier.

With these conditions, Bail Application No. 688 of 2019 was disposed of. The order was signed by Special Judge Ashutosh N. Karmarkar on August 7, 2019, and uploaded on the same day. This decision provides temporary relief to the accused corporation employee while the investigation into the bribery allegations continues.