Indore’s ‘Crorepati Beggar’ owns homes, autos and car; family calls it a ‘misunderstanding’

A shocking instance of alleged organised begging has surfaced in Indore, India’s cleanest city, after a rescue operation revealed the reality behind a disabled man who had been dragging himself through Sarafa Bazaar for years.

The man, identified as Mangilal, was found to be a crorepati in real life. Mangilal was rescued by the Women and Child Development Department following multiple complaints. What authorities discovered during interrogation stunned officials- extensive properties, vehicles, and a parallel income system. 

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Years of Silent Deception!

For a long time, Mangilal was a familiar sight in Sarafa market. Seated on a sliding wooden cart, carrying his shoes in a bag and pulling himself forward with his hands, he never verbally asked for money. His condition alone evoked sympathy, prompting people to donate voluntarily.

Despite being allotted a 1BHK flat through the Red Cross Society due to his disability, Mangilal allegedly continued begging, treating it as a steady source of income.

Properties Worth Crores!

Investigations revealed that Mangilal owns multiple properties, rivaling seasoned businessmen: A 16×45 sq. ft. three-storey building in Bhagat Singh Nagar A 600 sq. ft. house in Shivnagar A 10×20 sq. ft. 1BHK in Alwas The total estimated value of these assets reportedly runs into crores.

Vehicles, Rentals, and Money Lending

Beyond real estate, Mangilal admitted to owning: Three auto-rickshaws, all rented out A sedan, also rented instead of used personally In a startling revelation, he confessed to being a moneylender, distributing loans in Sarafa market and visiting daily to collect interest.

Combined with alms, his daily income reportedly stood at ₹400-₹500. However, Mangilal defended himself, saying, "I do not compel anyone to hand over money to me."

He added, "People, out of mercy, see my condition and donate of their own accord."

Officials Push Back

Nodal Officer Dinesh Mishra clarified that projecting false helplessness to solicit money is an offence, particularly when the individual is financially stable. District Program Officer Rajneesh Sinha added that such cases harm genuinely needy people, reaffirming that Indore’s anti-begging campaign will remain strict.

Family Introduces a Twist

The case took a dramatic turn when Mangilal’s nephew contested the allegations. He claimed his uncle never begged but visited Sarafa to recover loan money, and his sliding cart was merely a mobility aid.

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Refuting property claims, he stated, "Incorrect information is being spread about my uncle's property. The three-story house being referred to is registered in my mother's name. Everything is clear in the government records. I myself pay the installments for the loan taken for that house. We have all the relevant documents." 

He also revealed that a separate property dispute within the family is currently pending in court.