Rise of Organised Begging in Hyderabad Disrupts Public Life
In Hyderabad, the issue of organised begging has grown into a major concern, particularly involving transgender individuals and even minors. This problem is most visible at busy traffic junctions, where these groups cause disruptions, frustrating commuters and pedestrians alike. Despite efforts from the police to tackle the issue, their activities continue unabated, creating public distress.
The city has witnessed a rise in what many describe as a “begging mafia,” with approximately 3,500 individuals actively involved. These beggars, including transgender individuals, are often seen at traffic signals, adopting aggressive tactics to demand money. This has created a chaotic atmosphere, with some likening their behavior to that of “Vasooli Bhai” (extortionists). Traffic police stationed at these signals often fail to control the situation, leaving citizens feeling helpless.
At many junctions, beggars employ various strategies to elicit sympathy. Elderly individuals in wheelchairs, people with visible scars or bandages, and transgender individuals approaching commuters aggressively are common sights. Such encounters leave many commuters uncomfortable and frustrated, as these tactics disrupt the flow of daily life and create unnecessary tension.
The problem is particularly severe at major traffic signals such as MJ Market, Nampally, Masab Tank, Mehdipatnam, Santosh Nagar, Malakpet, Uppal, Habsiguda, Patny, Paradise, Khairtabad, Assembly, Panjagutta, Jubilee Hills Checkpost, and Durgam Cheruvu, among others. These locations see a high concentration of beggars, who persistently seek alms, often causing disturbances in the process.
Some observers have highlighted the exploitation of children in this mafia. Mohammed Habeebuddin, a concerned citizen, noted that infants and young children are used to gain sympathy. “These children are often seen unconscious, even in extreme weather conditions. It’s hard to believe they are genuinely sleeping amidst such noise and chaos,” he remarked, raising questions about their well-being.
In the past, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) initiated rehabilitation programs to address the issue. However, these efforts seem to have waned, as families involved in the begging mafia are now a common sight along roadsides. Commuters report being harassed not just at signals but also near hotels, eateries, and commercial areas. “They even occupy spaces meant for beautification at junctions and target people eating street food,” lamented Shekar, a commuter at MJ Market.
Another observer, Khizar Rahman, expressed astonishment at the state of the city’s junctions. “It’s ironic that areas meant to enhance the city’s beauty have been taken over by beggars. It’s almost as if the beautification was designed with them in mind,” he said with a touch of humor.
Authorities have previously attempted to crack down on this organised network. Under the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU), police arrested several individuals involved in the begging mafia. Last year, a gang leader from Karnataka was apprehended. It was discovered that he hired people to beg at various junctions, paying them Rs 200 per day while they collected approximately Rs 2,000 daily.
Despite these efforts, the problem persists, leaving citizens and authorities searching for more effective solutions to curb this growing menace in Hyderabad.
