Nagpur Police Plan Major Crackdown on Beggars Using Tactics to Harass Citizens
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Nagpur, India: Taking serious note of complaints about beggars harassing citizens for money, the Nagpur Police have announced plans to conduct a comprehensive census of beggars in Nagpur before initiating a large-scale campaign to address the problem.
Beggars in Nagpur have been using various tactics to seek money, including posing as street vendors or cleaning car windshields at traffic signals without consent. Responding to numerous reports, senior police officials recently convened at Police Bhavan to plan a strategy for relocating beggars from the streets to shelter homes.
NMC which operates these shelter homes, will play a key role in the campaign. Notably, a temporary shelter home was made during the Civil-20 (C-20) conference in 2023 and relocated beggars.
The last census in 2022 recorded around 1,600 beggars and homeless people. Since then, the situation has reportedly worsened, with many beggars from other cities, including Indore, migrating to Nagpur. Currently, the city has six shelter homes that can collectively accommodate only 500 individuals.
Beggars from Indore
Migration of beggars from Indore has been noted since December 2024. The Indore administration’s announcement to register FIRs against people giving alms to beggars, effective January 2025, prompted many beggars to migrate to nearby cities, including Nagpur. Upon arriving at Nagpur Railway Station, these individuals spread across the city, with some reportedly invited by local relatives.
Reports indicate that beggars use various techniques to gain sympathy and money from commuters. Some sell roses, pens, masks, or napkins, often involving children in their efforts. Others clean car windshields randomly, prompting kind-hearted drivers to offer money out of compassion.
Rehabilitation Plans
The upcoming census aims to set the full extent of the issue and guide effective rehabilitation strategies. Nagpur has rehabilitation centres that teach skills like sewing, embroidery, and broom-making. However, ensuring participation remains a challenge, as many beggars either resist rehabilitation or attempt to escape after being arrested.
The drive will involve collaboration between the police, NMC, NGOs, and the Social Security Branch, with Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sanjay Patil tasked with creating a detailed action plan. Citizens are also encouraged to share ideas and concerns to support the initiative.
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