Scores of beggars caught in police dragnet

A family of professional beggars seeks alms in a Hyderabad market. Ramazan and Eid bring thousands of panhandlers to cities to exploit the spirit of charity, while depriving the deserving ones who won't beg in bazaars. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Police on Friday launched a dragnet against beggars and rounded up dozens of people.
On the directives of Hyderabad Deputy Commissioner Zainul Abideen Memon and SSP Hyderabad Adeel Hussain Chandio, the in-charge of human rights and focal person for prevention of human trafficking, begging and child labour, Maria Sario along with the police conducted an operation under Shahbaz Flyover near Ghora Ground within the limits of Bhittai Nagar police station, and arrested a number of drug addicts and suppliers.
Moreover, women beggars sitting on the roadside with small children were also taken into custody who were handed over to the Social Welfare Department.
It is worth mentioning that the action has been taken after the Daily Express highlighted the issue a couple of days back.
Surge in beggars, citizens distressed
A survey conducted by Daily Express in Hyderabad's markets and Bazaars revealed that as the Ramazan draws to end and Eid approaches, the influx of professional male and female beggars has surged significantly. The city's main roads, intersections, and markets are now crowded with them. Particularly female beggars often accompanied by young children use emotional tactics to compel citizens to offer alms.
This growing presence not only causes inconvenience to shoppers but has also led to an increase in pickpocketing and theft incidents.
Occupying key locations
Professional beggars have set up permanent spots at major intersections, u-turns, and areas with slow-moving traffic. As the day begins, they take their positions and persistently beg from citizens throughout the day. Female beggars often spread a sheet on the roadside, while their children approach pedestrians with outstretched hands, requesting help.
Some beggars appear extremely destitute to elicit sympathy, while others hold handwritten notes requesting financial aid. The moment a passerby glances at them, they move in closer and plead for assistance, often compelling the individual to give them some money.
Influx of non-locals
A significant number of these beggars have travelled to Hyderabad from other districts and provinces. More are expected to arrive as Ramazan reaches its final days. Operating in small groups, they roam streets, neighbourhoods, mosques, markets, and other public spaces. Their strategy is such that if one beggar receives assistance from someone, others immediately gather around, urging for help as well, leaving the benefactor with no choice but to extend aid to multiple individuals.
Shoppers find this situation distressing, especially as some beggars demand specific items such as medicine, milk, bread, or cooked food instead of money, making it difficult for citizens to refuse them.
Rise in pickpocketing and theft
With the increasing number of beggars, pickpocketing and theft cases have also surged. Markets and shopping centres are now hotspots for such crimes. Reports indicate a rise in stolen purses and valuables, especially among female shoppers.
Police sources claim that some pickpockets disguise themselves as beggars, waiting for an opportunity to steal cash and other valuables from unsuspecting citizens. This trend has resulted in financial losses for many and added stress during shopping trips.
Beggars transported via rickshaws
There have been instances where groups of beggars arrive at designated locations in rickshaws every morning. They beg throughout the day and return in the evening, suggesting an organised network behind their operations.
During Ramazan, citizens donate more in charity and alms compared to regular days, which these professional beggars take advantage of. Some feign disabilities, while others carry fake medical prescriptions or notes requesting help.
Additionally, beggars have been seen knocking on doors in residential areas and mosques, disguised as individuals in need. If denied cash, they request food items to secure assistance by any means.
Citizens are urged to differentiate between genuinely needy individuals and professional beggars while exercising caution in their charitable giving.

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