Indore’s ‘Crorepati Beggar’ Exposed: Mangilal Owns Homes, Vehicles, Runs Moneylending Racket

A startling case uncovered during the Indore Beggar Eradication Campaign has brought renewed focus on organised and habitual begging in urban India. Authorities in Indore have identified a man named Mangilal, who despite living as a beggar on the streets, has amassed assets worth crores through begging and parallel income activities.

Mangilal came under the scanner of the Women and Child Development Department as part of a statewide drive aimed at eliminating begging and rehabilitating vulnerable individuals. Officials were shocked to discover that Mangilal owns three residential properties across different localities of Indore, along with multiple vehicles that generate regular rental income.

According to information shared by district authorities, Mangilal owns a three-storey building in Bhagat Singh Nagar, along with additional properties in Shivnagar and Alwas. These properties are reportedly occupied or rented, providing him with steady earnings. In addition, he owns three auto-rickshaws that are rented out daily, as well as a Maruti Suzuki Dzire, which is also used for commercial rental purposes.

What has further raised concern among officials is Mangilal’s involvement in informal moneylending. Authorities revealed that he regularly operates in Indore’s busy Sarafa Bazaar, where he lends money at interest to local traders and residents. He is said to collect between ₹400 and ₹500 daily from borrowers, making him a familiar figure in the area despite his appearance as a street beggar.

Ironically, Mangilal is also a beneficiary of a one-BHK house allotted under a joint housing initiative of the Madhya Pradesh Government and the Indian Red Cross Society. Officials said the accommodation was provided as part of a rehabilitation effort, but Mangilal continued begging even after receiving the house. He reportedly returned to the streets, frequently seen begging using a wooden cart.

District officials stated that multiple complaints from local residents prompted a closer investigation into Mangilal’s activities. Following verification, the Women and Child Development team intervened and removed him from the streets as part of enforcement measures under the campaign.

District Programme Officer Rajeesh Sinha said the administration would continue strict action against individuals who engage in or promote begging despite having sustainable means of livelihood. He added that such cases undermine welfare initiatives meant for genuinely destitute people.

The case has sparked debate over the misuse of social welfare schemes and the need for deeper verification mechanisms. Authorities have reiterated that the Indore Beggar Eradication Campaign will continue, with a focus on identifying habitual and organised begging networks while ensuring genuine rehabilitation for those truly in need.