Disabled beggar flaunts his iPhone 16 Pro Max, shocking onlookers
by ShravyaA disabled beggar, seemingly helpless as he moved around on a skateboard-like board, was spotted holding an iPhone 16 Pro Max, an expensive device worth lakhs, sparking debates about the evolving face of modern-day begging.
The incident took place in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India and its video went viral on January 18.
Visuals show a disabled man begging on the streets of Ajmer while sitting on a skateboard-like board. At first glance, he appeared to be a helpless beggar. However, the focus soon shifted to an unexpected sight, an iPhone 16 Pro Max in his hand, a luxury device worth lakhs of rupees.
When questioned about the phone by an onlooker, he says his name is Shanu Shekar. He revealed the phone costs 1,963.58 USD (₹1,70,000) and he paid for it in cash. When asked how he managed to afford it, Shanu casually responds, “By begging,” leaving onlookers shocked by the contrast between his apparent poverty and his expensive smartphone.
A similar incident in India echoes the story of Bharat Jain, often referred to as the richest beggar, whose net worth is ₹7.5 crore thanks to years of strategic earning and investments. Much like Bharat Jain, Shanu’s story highlights how individuals have turned begging into a surprisingly lucrative activity, challenging traditional notions of poverty and financial capability.
Reports suggest that begging has transitioned from being a last resort for the helpless to a profession for some. With advancements in technology and the sharing of such incidents on social media, the public is now more aware of how some individuals exploit the compassion of others, earning amounts that rival or even surpass regular jobs.