The Surprising Wealth of India's Richest Beggars

Introduction to India's Unique Beggars

India is often referred to as a land of hard work, where many individuals toil tirelessly just to earn a basic living. Unfortunately, numerous people struggle to afford even the essentials for survival.

On the flip side, there exists a different realm in the country, characterized by beggars who roam the streets with bowls in hand. While begging is generally viewed as a sign of extreme poverty, this perception is misleading. Some individuals beg not out of necessity but rather for personal gain.

In this article, we will explore the stories of affluent beggars whose wealth and lifestyles will astonish you.

Birbichand Azad

Birbichand Azad, a beggar from Mumbai, passed away at the age of 82. Upon his death, authorities discovered coins worth ₹1.77 lakh and fixed deposit documents totaling ₹8.77 lakh in his residence.

He had all necessary identification documents, including an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and senior citizen card. The police found four bags filled with coins, and counting them took nearly six hours.

Sarvatiya Devi

Sarvatiya Devi is another beggar who leads a life of comfort despite her profession. Residing behind Ashok Cinema in Patna, she has successfully married off her daughter to a well-off family.

Interestingly, she pays an annual insurance premium of ₹36,000 and enjoys traveling by train, often reaching her destinations while begging.

Bharat Jain

Bharat Jain, over 50 years old, is among the wealthiest beggars in the country. He has accumulated significant property, including two flats in Mumbai valued at ₹70 lakh.

His monthly income from begging is around ₹75 lakh. Although his family runs a stationery shop and advises him against begging, he finds joy in it and disregards their concerns.

Sambhaji Kale

Sambhaji Kale and his family beg together in the Khar area of Mumbai. With four members in his family, they earn thousands of rupees daily.

Despite being classified as beggars, they have amassed considerable wealth, owning two houses and a flat in Virar, along with land in Solapur and substantial bank savings.

Krishna Kumar

Another wealthy beggar, Krishna Kumar, earns around ₹1,500 daily. He has a favorite spot for begging near CP Tank at Churni Road in Mumbai.

He has even purchased a flat in the area where he lives with his brother.

Lakshmidass

Lakshmidass, whose name means wealth, began begging at just 16 years old in Kolkata. Since starting in 1964, he has spent over 50 years in this profession.

Over the years, he has accumulated a significant amount of money, a feat that would require immense effort for most people.