Two men caught begging but let off after rap

A Delhi court has let off two men , caught begging in the Capital, after sentencing them to jail terms already served by them during their trials. The court let them off with a reprimand, taking cognisance of their socio-economic backgrounds.

A Delhi court has let off two men , caught begging in the Capital, after sentencing them to jail terms already served by them during their trials. The court let them off with a reprimand, taking cognisance of their socio-economic backgrounds.

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The court freed the duo after they pleaded guilty of the offence and said they would not beg in future. Additional Sessions Judge VK Dahiya said, "The accused have pleaded guilty. Keeping in view that it is the first offence committed by the accused, therefore they are sentenced to undergo imprisonment for the period already undergone."

Delhi Police had arrested Rajeev, 42, and Anil, 35, this year under Bombay Prevention of Begging Act 1959. The conviction for an offence under this Act means a sentence of minimum one year and maximum three years of detention in beggars' home.

The court allowed the defence counsel's plea for leniency towards the duo. Rajeev was detained when he was found accepting one rupee coin from a passerby near a temple in west Delhi.