27 August,2011 06:55 AM IST | | Akela
Bashira Bi, the vegetable vendor from Nagpur who was prosecuted by cops for being a beggar was not the only one to have met that fate. A newspaper vendor, a toy seller and a peanut vendor have a similar tale to tell.
They also say that the administration of the beggars' home in Chembur hoarded their possessions.u00a0 Yesterday, MiD DAY had reported ('How cops forced me to live as a beggar for a week') about Bashira, who was picked up at CST station by cops and forced to stay for a week in abject conditions in the Chembur beggars' home.
Last Thursday, MiD DAY met Maklu Keturi, Bala Saheb Gore, and Geeta Soni, who were had been released from the beggars' home the same day.
Keturi (25) is a resident of Belapur where he sells newspapers. He has lost both his legs. On Thursday, he was waiting for a train at CST to go to Jharkhand, when he was arrested. "I am not a beggar, but they sent me to the beggars' home," said Keturi, adding, "I had deposited Rs 240 and a bag with the home's administration. But they did not return my possessions," Keturi said.
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Gore (70) said he would never come to Mumbai again. A resident of Shirdi, he sells peanuts for a living. Last week, he too was picked up. He said that his wristwatch and Rs 1,400 was not given back.
Geeta Soni (45) a toy seller at Haji Ali, was bailed out by her husband.u00a0 Pereira said, " I plan to file a petition in the High Court."
The Other Side
MiD DAY tried to contact the beggars' home and the police for their comment. But they refused to comment. All they said was that they would look into the matter.
