Authorities in Indore have been examining an unusual case involving a man widely believed to be a disabled beggar, only to discover that his financial circumstances are far more complex than first assumed.The man, locally known as Mangilal—though officials say his legal name is Mahakal—was frequently seen at the Sarafa Night Market late in the evenings. His appearance and behavior led some to suspect he was part of an organized begging operation. After several weeks of monitoring, officials brought him to a social welfare center for questioning.What emerged challenged those assumptions.

Investigators say Mangilal owns three residential properties in Indore, a Maruti Suzuki Dzire with a personal driver, and three auto-rickshaws that generate rental income. Authorities also believe he has earned money over time through informal lending practices.Mangilal disputes the label of “beggar.” Speaking to local media, he said he visited the market after 10 p.m. to collect repayments from people he had previously lent money to. Because his car could not enter the crowded area, he arrived by rickshaw. According to him, passersby assumed he was asking for alms and offered money out of sympathy—offers he says he declined.“I don’t beg,” he told reporters. “I collect debts.”Born in Ujjain in 1956, Mangilal moved to Indore as a child.