Indore, Jan 19 (NationPress) In a shocking twist during Indore's active campaign aimed at eliminating begging, a differently-abled individual, frequently seen requesting donations in the vibrant Sarafa market, has been revealed as a millionaire with assets totaling in crores.

Mangilal, who navigates by pulling himself along on a wheeled wooden cart, was rescued on Saturday by the Women and Child Development Department as part of the "Beggar-Free Indore" initiative.

Officials were taken aback when they uncovered the extent of his wealth.

Although Mangilal did not actively ask for money, he received between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 daily from compassionate bystanders who willingly offered him cash, accumulating considerable property and investments, as per officials.

Reportedly, he owns three properties throughout the city, including a three-storey building in Bhagat Singh Nagar, a 600 sq ft residence in Shiv Nagar, and a one-bedroom apartment in Alwasa, which he obtained under the PMAY scheme through the Red Cross Society due to his disability.

Furthermore, he has a car (with a personal driver) and three auto-rickshaws. Far from living in poverty, Mangilal had transformed his daily earnings into a successful side business: lending money at high-interest rates to small traders and jewelry shop owners in the Sarafa region.

He regularly visited the market, not only to solicit alms but also to collect interest payments from his borrowers.

The rescue team had prior intel about him and had tried to engage with him multiple times, but he would disappear upon seeing officials – until Saturday's successful intervention in the Sarafa market.

The district administration's rigorous campaign, part of a larger effort initiated in February 2024 to establish a beggar-free Indore (with begging criminalized in the city starting from 2025), has already identified thousands of individuals and successfully rehabilitated many. This incident shines a light on a different aspect: “professional” or disguised begging, where individuals exploit public sympathy while concealing significant wealth, sometimes involving illegal lending practices. Mangilal has been moved for rehabilitation, and authorities are currently verifying his bank accounts, cash assets, and other holdings.

He will be brought before the District Collector regarding the potential misuse of government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Arogya Yojana.

Officials emphasized that promoting or taking part in begging is punishable, and further measures may follow against related activities.