Bengaluru: A 20-year-old youth who allegedly posed as a differently abled person to evoke sympathy and collect alms was caught by alert residents and autorickshaw drivers in Bengaluru’s ITI Layout on Tuesday evening.
The accused, identified as Mukesh, a native of Uttar Pradesh, was later handed over to the Byatarayanapura police after locals discovered that he had been faking his disability while begging.
Residents grow suspicious
According to the police, Mukesh was seen limping with the help of a crutch while seeking alms from passersby in the ITI Layout area of southeast Bengaluru. However, residents and autorickshaw drivers became suspicious after noticing inconsistencies in his movements.
They confronted him and soon realised that he was not actually differently abled. During questioning by the locals, an iPhone was reportedly found in his possession, leading to suspicions that it could have been stolen.
The residents immediately alerted the Byatarayanapura police, who took Mukesh into custody for further inquiry.
Youth admits to faking disability
A senior police officer said Mukesh confessed during questioning that he had arrived in Bengaluru about a week ago from Uttar Pradesh. He admitted to pretending to be differently abled to earn money for his daily expenses through begging.
Police said he had been sleeping at bus stands and marketplaces since arriving in the city.
Shifted to rehabilitation shelter
Following the inquiry, the police shifted Mukesh to Beggars’ Colony, a government shelter for homeless persons, as part of rehabilitation efforts.
Police have not confirmed any theft case in connection with the iPhone recovered from him, and further inquiries are continuing.