Real estate community in Puducherry was taken for a surprise on Friday, July 29, when three beggars walked into the community panchayat office at Thirunallar in the city to take part in the auction of commercial complexes near the famous Thirunallar Saneeswara Bhagwan temple. The officials and influential local bidders were at a loss of words to describe this incident.
The commercial complexes and night shelters in the temple complex have been their home for decades as they wander around begging for food and money from devotees. The complexes could have helped the beggars make a fortune. The three beggars entered the office carrying their begging bowls and bags stuffed with cash, taking everyone by surprise.
When the other bidders objected to their presence, they argued that they, as Indian citizens, had every right to participate in the bidding. The officials directed them to pay Rs.10,000 each as earnest money to participate. The beggars pulled out currency notes with a flourish and even insisted on receipts.
However, Commissioner Subash insisted they produce valid documents to prove their identity. The sorely disappointed beggars then admitted they had no documents, but preferred to stay on until the end to take back their deposit. However, Subash was of the view that the beggars may have been sent by some “influential persons” to disrupt the auction process.
