Motorist booked for giving Rs 10 to beggar, defying ban in Indore

(Representational Image)

Indore police registered a case against a motorist for giving Rs 10 to a beggar, citing a violation of the city’s ban on begging and almsgiving, police said on Tuesday.

According to a Times of India report, this is the second such case in two weeks.

An FIR was lodged under Section 223 of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) against the unidentified person who gave money to a beggar near a temple in the Lasudia police station area on Monday.

The complaint was filed by an officer from the Beggary Eradication Team. Under this law, offenders may face up to one year in jail, a Rs 5,000 fine, or both.

Indore has been working to become India's first beggar-free city, implementing strict rules against begging, giving alms, and purchasing items from beggars.

A similar case was registered on January 23 when an unidentified person was booked for giving alms outside a temple on Khandwa Road.

Phool Singh, an officer from the Beggary Eradication Team, said that over the past six months, more than 600 beggars have been sent to shelter homes, while around 100 children were placed in childcare institutions. Some individuals were found seeking alms under the pretence of selling small items and balloons at traffic signals.

To further support this drive, authorities have announced a Rs 1,000 reward for anyone who reports instances of begging.

Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a pilot project to make 10 Indian cities beggar-free as part of broader initiative.