Organised racket behind presence of non-Odia beggars at Cuttack Bali Yatra?

Asia's largest open-air trade fair Bali Yatra held in Cuttack City witnessed a notable increase in the number of beggars reportedly from outside states. Concerns have arisen about whether this phenomenon could be linked to an organised racket exploiting disabled individuals from other states.

This rise in the presence of more than 50 non-Odia-speaking people engaged in begging has led many to suspect foul play, prompting authorities to investigate.

Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) has stated that a probe will be conducted to determine whether unscrupulous individuals are taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of divyang people from other states. The DCP's remarks indicate a serious approach towards understanding and potentially dismantling any organised activities contributing to such a precarious situation.

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According to sources, some of the beggars are unable to walk. For some, even leaving one's place might be impossible due to severe physical disabilities.

Some lack hands or feet, while others don't have the strength to stand due to debilitating conditions.

Despite this, not just one or two, but over 50 differently-abled individuals are seen begging with bowls in their hands at Cuttack's Bali Yatra festival.

Amidst crowds of thousands of people, some roll on the sand, while others roam around on tricycles collecting money. Although this scene is not new to the annual trade fair, this time the notable presence of many non-Odia beggars has raised questions.

It is said that these individuals are being brought to Bali Yatra and forced into begging by an organised racket. After being transported to the trade fair grounds by auto-rickshaw, they are later picked up and transported again, having amassed significant amounts of money through their typical activities.

During the Bali Yatra festival, there appears to be a significant number of non-Odia individuals, possibly differently-abled, engaging in begging. In the entire Bali Yatra fairground, these individuals maintain specific distances while carrying out their activities.

Alongside this, hundreds of travelling street performers are seen selling light trinkets, such as pens and balloons. Many of them, dressed in various costumes, also seem to be involved in begging.

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Questions are being raised regarding the presence of beggars from other states in Cuttack, who are not usually seen on ordinary days. Residents are wondering who is bringing these individuals into the city.

When locals see their state of dress, condition, and appearance, they often feel compelled to offer alms. However, they question whether they are unwittingly falling victim to fraud.

Concerns are also growing over whether some unscrupulous individuals or rackets are profiting by exploiting these people’s disabilities.
In response to these rising concerns among the aware citizens, Cuttack DCP Jagmohan Meena said, “We have not yet received any complaint in this regard. However, we will conduct an inquiry into the allegations. We will verify their (the beggars) backgrounds to ascertain where they are from.”

“We will also probe to find out in which activities they are involved,” the DCP added.