Mangilal, a physically disabled man begging in Indore’s famous Sarafa Bazaar, has stunned authorities after it was revealed that he is worth crores. Sitting on an iron cart with ball-bearing wheels and collecting Rs 400–500 daily in alms, Mangilal has invested his earnings into a mini lending business, reportedly loaning money to local traders at interest.

Hidden Wealth Revealed During Anti-Begging Drive

The truth came to light during an anti-begging operation by the Women and Child Development Department. Officials expected a routine rescue of a leprosy patient but discovered Mangilal owns three houses, three auto-rickshaws, and a Maruti Suzuki Dzire. One of his homes was a government-allocated flat under the PMAY scheme, despite his existing properties.

Mini Moneylender in Sarafa Bazaar

Mangilal admitted to authorities that the alms he received were not for survival but were reinvested. He lends cash to local traders for short periods, collecting daily or weekly interest. Investigations suggest he has loaned out Rs 4–5 lakh and earns Rs 1,000–2,000 per day from interest alone. His operations have made him one of the wealthiest beggars in India.

Authorities Probe Properties and Finances

Mangilal has been shifted to Sevadham Ashram in Ujjain, and his bank accounts and properties are under scrutiny. Officials are also questioning traders who borrowed money from him. The case has highlighted the need to monitor abuses in government welfare schemes and curb illegal moneylending under the guise of begging.

Impact on Indore’s Anti-Begging Campaign

Launched in February 2024, the anti-begging drive has helped around 4,500 beggars give up street begging, with 1,600 sent to rehabilitation centers and 172 children enrolled in schools. Mangilal’s case, however, exposes a loophole exploited by individuals turning street sympathy into a profitable enterprise.

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