Indore's Anti-Begging Drive Uncovers Shocking Reality
Indore authorities made a startling discovery during a routine anti-begging operation. What began as a standard rescue mission revealed a hidden fortune behind a familiar face in the city's Sarafa bullion market.
The Familiar Figure in Sarafa Market
For years, shoppers and traders in Indore's bustling Sarafa market recognized one consistent sight. A man affected by leprosy would move through the lanes on a wooden cart. He carried a worn bag on his back and used old shoes for support as he navigated the crowded marketplace.
This man, identified as 50-year-old Mangilal, became the subject of an unexpected investigation last week. The Women and Child Development Department picked him up during their ongoing campaign against begging in the city.
Wealth Beyond Expectations
Officials quickly uncovered that Mangilal's circumstances were dramatically different from his appearance. "We have learned that this man owns three concrete houses, including a three-storey building," revealed Dinesh Mishra, nodal officer for the department's begging eradication campaign.
The properties include a three-storey house in Bhagat Singh Nagar, a 600-square-foot house in Shivnagar, and a one-bedroom flat in Alwas. Mangilal lives with his elderly parents in the Alwas flat while his two brothers maintain separate residences.
His assets extend beyond real estate. Mangilal operates three autorickshaws that he rents out to drivers. Most surprisingly, he owns a personal car that he uses specifically for begging purposes, complete with a hired driver.
Dual Income Streams
Mangilal maintained two distinct sources of income. From begging alone, he earned between Rs 400-500 daily. His method proved particularly effective because he never directly asked for money. Instead, he positioned himself strategically near shoppers who would voluntarily offer him assistance.
Alongside his begging income, Mangilal ran an informal money-lending business in the Sarafa area. Officials estimate he had lent Rs 4-5 lakh to various individuals, collecting daily interest that added another Rs 1,000 to his daily earnings.
Official Response and Investigation
The rescue team received specific information about Mangilal at 10 pm on Saturday and successfully tracked him down. He has since been moved to the Sevadam Ashram in Ujjain for rehabilitation.
District Collector Shivam Verma confirmed that authorities would take punitive action once they verify all the facts. "Indore is a beggar-free city," Verma stated. "The government is arranging for the rehabilitation of beggars so that they do not face any kind of inconvenience."
Indore's Comprehensive Anti-Begging Campaign
Indore administration launched an intensive anti-begging campaign in February 2024. Initial surveys identified approximately 6,500 beggars throughout the city. The campaign has produced significant results so far.
Authorities have counseled about 4,500 individuals to stop begging entirely. They have rescued 1,600 beggars and sent them to rehabilitation centers like Sevadam Ashram. Additionally, 172 children previously involved in begging have been enrolled in schools to continue their education.
The city, already celebrated as India's cleanest for ten consecutive years, has implemented strict legal measures against begging. These regulations prohibit not only begging itself but also giving alms and purchasing goods from beggars.
This case highlights the complex realities sometimes hidden behind public perceptions. What appeared to be a straightforward situation of poverty revealed multiple layers of unexpected financial activity.
