Indore Officials Stunned: Leprosy Patient Beggar Owns Houses, Auto-Rickshaws, Car

• Indore officials discovered a leprosy-afflicted beggar, Mangilal, owns multiple properties and vehicles during an anti-begging drive.
• Preliminary findings suggest Mangilal possesses three houses (including a three-story building), three auto-rickshaws for rent, and a car with a hired driver for begging commutes.
• He reportedly lent Rs 4-5 lakh in the bullion market, earning Rs 1,000-1,200 daily interest, in addition to Rs 400-500 from alms.
• The man, who previously worked as a mason, turned to begging due to severe leprosy damage to his fingers and feet, facing social stigma.
• Indore aims to be a "beggar-free city" with a legal ban on begging; further verification of Mangilal's assets, potentially worth Rs 1 crore, is underway.

Why It Matters: A leprosy patient beggar in Indore was found to own significant assets, sparking debate on anti-begging drives.