THODUPUZHA: Attempts by the police to chase away the begging mafia, which has taken hold in the city targeting festivals, church celebrations, Easter, and Vishu celebrations, have failed. Most of the beggars in various bases shifted after the information about the police inspection was spread through the beggars' WhatsApp group. Following this, the police and the district social justice department conducted a conjoined lightning search in the city in the name of 'Clean Thodupuzha' from 10 am yesterday, but only four beggars were found.

Three Karnataka natives and one person from Andhra were found near the Civil Station area, Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Thodupuzha bridge, and private bus stand. Two of them were admitted to the old age home by the Municipal Corporation in Muthalakodam and the other two were admitted to the Prathyasha Bhavan in Kumaramangalam. The police said that language was a barrier to getting more information from them.

The beggars' group was active in the Thodupuzha Private Bus Stand area, Gandhi Square, Thodupuzha Bridge, and Civil Station area in the last few days. Their presence is aggravated in spots where more people come to the city for various purposes in connection with various celebrations. Now the mafia has become more active targeting the Easter and Vishu celebrations, the Thodupuzha Sree Krishna Swamy temple festival, and the Muthalakodam church festival.

Since it is Ramadan, they are focusing on Muslim mosques as well, targeting the money they can get from Zakat. A few months ago, the chairman of the municipality had asked the police to take immediate action against begging in the city.

30 beggars, leader from Telangana

There are about thirty beggars in Thodupuzha City alone. Those who have been arrested have stated that their leader is a native of Telangana. Police found expensive smartphones, ATMs, and PAN cards from them. With this, the police confirmed that the begging mafia is actively operating in the city. The information is that they are being taken in a vehicle to the vicinity of Thodupuzha private bus stand to be dropped off there in the morning. The police have decided to conduct well-equipped inspections in the coming days. Even as the activity of the begging mafia is active, efforts to find those behind it have not been successful.