Indore, January 19, 2026: A government initiative to make Indore “beggar-free” has unearthed a startling revelation—one of the city’s long-known beggars, Mangilal, is in fact a crorepati, owning multiple properties and vehicles worth crores of rupees.

The discovery came during a drive led by the Madhya Pradesh Women and Child Development Department, which aimed to rehabilitate individuals dependent on begging and provide them with better means of livelihood. Mangilal, who has been seen for years in the Sarafa Bazaar area, was physically disabled and typically moved around using a cart or by pushing himself along the ground. Passers-by often offered him money out of sympathy, reportedly between ₹500 and ₹1,000 daily.

Wealth Beyond Appearances

Upon bringing Mangilal in for rehabilitation, officials discovered that he is far from destitute. Investigations revealed that he owns:

• Three houses across Indore, including a multi-storey building and a 600-square-foot home.
• Three auto-rickshaws and a Swift Dzire car, which he rents out to generate income.

Further complicating matters, Mangilal had been granted a one-bedroom house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme, designed for individuals in genuine need. Authorities are now investigating how he obtained this benefit despite already owning multiple properties.

Additional Sources of Income

Beyond property ownership, Mangilal reportedly worked as a moneylender, extending loans to small shopkeepers in Sarafa Bazaar and charging interest—a practice that may be illegal if done at high rates. Officials are scrutinizing his financial dealings, bank accounts, and property records to ascertain the full extent of his wealth and ensure legal compliance.

Official Response

District authorities stated that Mangilal will be questioned by senior officers regarding his assets, sources of income, and prior benefits received under government schemes. The investigation also aims to determine whether he misrepresented his economic status to gain benefits intended for the needy.

Broader Context: “Beggar-Free Indore”

The campaign, launched with the goal of eliminating street begging in Indore, has identified thousands of individuals living on the streets. Many of them have been provided with employment opportunities, shelter, and schooling for their children, highlighting the administration’s efforts to address urban poverty responsibly.

While Mangilal’s case is an extraordinary example of deception, officials emphasized that it is not representative of all beggars, many of whom genuinely depend on public support for survival.

This incident has sparked discussions about the need for better verification mechanisms in government welfare programs and stricter monitoring to prevent misuse. It also underscores the challenges authorities face in distinguishing between those genuinely in need and individuals exploiting the system.

The Indore administration has pledged to tighten oversight under the anti-begging drive, ensuring that support and rehabilitation reach the right people while investigating instances of fraudulent claims.

Mangilal’s story has captured public attention, illustrating a curious twist in the city’s “beggar-free” initiative and highlighting the complexities involved in urban welfare schemes.