During Indore’s “beggar-free” campaign, authorities uncovered a startling case involving a physically disabled man long seen at Sarafa Bazaar, who was found to be a millionaire with multiple properties and businesses.
For years, Mangilal was a familiar sight at Sarafa Bazaar, seated on a low wooden cart and pulling himself along with his hands. He kept his shoes beside him and never openly asked for money. Passers-by, moved by his condition, regularly gave him alms.
Officials said Mangilal collected between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 daily without overtly begging. When a rescue team from the Madhya Pradesh Women and Child Development Department picked him up for rehabilitation as part of the city’s anti-begging drive, he disclosed extensive assets and income sources.
According to officials, Mangilal owns a three-storey house in Bhagat Singh Nagar, a 600 sq ft home in Shiv Nagar, and a one-bedroom flat in Alwasa allotted under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana on the basis of his disability. He also owns three auto-rickshaws that are rented out for income, as well as a Swift Dzire car with a driver.
Authorities further said he runs a high-interest money-lending operation, primarily catering to small jewellery businesses in Sarafa Bazaar, and collects interest on a daily or weekly basis. Officials are now verifying his bank accounts, cash holdings and income sources.
Mangilal will be produced before the District Collector for allegedly obtaining a PMAY house despite already owning property. District officials said usury is a punishable offence and that action will be taken if violations are established.
Launched in February 2024, Indore’s anti-begging campaign has identified around 6,500 beggars so far. Officials said more than 4,500 people have been rehabilitated through employment initiatives, around 1,600 shifted to an ashram in Ujjain, and 172 children enrolled in schools as part of the drive.
