Daijiworld Media Network – Indore

Indore, Jan 19: Indore’s beggar-free drive has taken an unexpected turn with the revelation that a physically disabled man, long seen pushing an iron cart with his hands tucked into shoes along city streets, is in fact a crorepati. The man, identified as Mangilal, reportedly earns between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 daily, according to the Times of India.

A familiar figure in Sarafa Bazaar, Mangilal was often seen collecting coins and cash from passers-by. However, when he was rescued by a team from the Madhya Pradesh Women and Child Development Department, details of his financial status came to light.

During questioning, Mangilal disclosed that he owns a three-storey house in Bhagat Singh Nagar, a 600 sq ft house in Shiv Nagar, and a one-bedroom flat in Alwasa, which he received through the Red Cross Society under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) due to his disability.

He also owns three autorickshaws, which he rents out, and a Swift Dzire car with a driver on his payroll. In addition, he is engaged in moneylending at high interest rates, collecting repayments daily or weekly. Despite this, he continues to frequent Sarafa Bazaar, earning around Rs 400–500 from people who recognise him.

Officials from the Women and Child Development Department are now scrutinising Mangilal’s bank accounts and cash reserves. He will also be produced before the district collector to examine his eligibility for a PMAY house, raising questions over the allocation of government housing benefits to individuals who already own property.

An official remarked, “This case highlights the complexities of our beggar-free drive. People who appear destitute may, in fact, possess substantial hidden wealth. Hence, every case needs careful verification.”

Indore has been pursuing its beggar-free city initiative since February 2024. According to district magistrate Ashish Singh, over 6,500 beggars have been identified so far, with nearly 5,000 rehabilitated over the past two years.

The campaign focuses on rehabilitation and inclusion. More than 170 rescued children have been enrolled in schools, while adults have been trained and placed in jobs through various state initiatives. The programme has received recognition from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment as well as the World Bank for its human-centric approach.

Mangilal is not the first instance of a beggar being found wealthy. In Mumbai, Bharat Jain, often seen begging near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Azad Maidan, reportedly owns two flats worth Rs 1.4 crore and has an estimated net worth of around Rs 7.5 crore. Jain is said to earn Rs 2,000–2,500 a day, at times surpassing the monthly income of many white-collar professionals.

Mangilal’s case underscores the hidden realities behind street begging and reinforces the need for rigorous verification as Indore continues its efforts to rehabilitate and integrate vulnerable sections of society.