Indore's crorepati beggar: three homes, three autos, a car
During Indore's Beggar-free drive, Mangilal, long seen as a beggar, is revealed to own three homes, three autos, and a car, raising questions about rehabilitation benefits.
A government campaign to remove begging from the streets of Indore, called Beggar-free Indore, has yielded an unexpected discovery. Mangilal, a man seen for years in Sarafa Bazaar, appeared to be physically disabled and dependent on alms, but investigators found he is financially well-off.
Officials reveal Mangilal owns three houses in Indore, including a multi-storey building and a 600-square-foot home. He also rents out three auto-rickshaws and a Swift Dzire car, which he reportedly uses to generate income. He even claimed to work as a moneylender serving small shopkeepers in the bazaar, charging interest—an illegal practice that authorities say will be examined.
During rehabilitation under the PMAY scheme, Mangilal was allotted a one-bedroom house intended for those in need, a benefit now under scrutiny since he already owns property. Officials are verifying his bank accounts and other income sources as part of the probe, and questioning how a person classified as a beggar could accumulate crores.
The episode has sparked debate about welfare schemes, transparency, and the ethics of rehabilitation programs. The anti-begging drive continues, with officials promising a thorough review to ensure benefits reach truly deserving residents while preventing misuse.
