35 patrols to be deployed to nab beggars during Ramadan
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Ministry of Interior plans to deploy 35 police patrolling teams across the city to crack down on beggars during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
More than 280 beggars including men and women were arrested last year.
The patrolling teams comprising men and women police officers will be deployed at potential places round-the-clock to curb this illegal practice, said Brigadier Jamal Mohammad Al Kaabi, Head of CID.
Other security agencies will be coordinating with the Department to catch the beggars.
Two hotlines — 33618627 and 2347444 — have been set up for citizens and expatriates to inform the authorities about the beggars, said Al Kaabi.
He said begging is not a phenomenon that is common in Qatar.
However, some people enter the country especially during Ramadan with the intention of begging, with innovative ideas for exploiting the sympathy of the people.
They narrate false stories and produce fake medical reports seeking money. Some of them also ask for contributions for building mosques and schools or sponsor orphans in their countries. Some beggars were caught selling substandard products as a ploy for begging, said Al Kaabi.
More than 280 beggars were caught last year at mosques, shopping complexes, popular markets and residential areas, said First Lieutenant Abdullah Saad Al Dosari, a senior official at the Anti-Begging Department at CID.
Legal action will be taken against those caught indulging in this illegal practice, he added.
Citizens and expatriates have been advised to give donations only to authorised charity organisations so that they could distribute them to the most deserving sections.
Investigation reports suggest that most beggars enter Qatar on tourist visas. Some of them were holding residency permits of neighbouring countries.
“The begging problem is under control in Qatar despite that the beggars resort to new tricks to win sympathy,” said Al Dosari.
Courtesy: thepeninsulaqatar.com
Wuna, You are like a bit harsh my pal ...........
There should be extra punishment for people who knowingly break the law during Ramadan because they want to trick honest people. There is a special place in hell reserved for liars like this.
Whatever that is not worth doing during Ramadan ought not to be done all time. If such act is considered illegal, it should be abolished completely 12 months in a year.
God bless Qatar!!!
Do good & forget it ........ is the best policy .......... soft pride is also harmful my pal ..........
But if you are heading for your work ? There are times when you can't change your pre planned tasks ........
If you don't know the poor soul's language ?
We will spoil more than mend if we involve ourself in others health affairs ........
Plus, we may get a sense of pride by bringing that guy to a clinic , definitely you will be tempted to tell him / her your name & nationality , you see , all this will go to your negative account ..........
Molten: OK.. We will not discuss the reports .. It's just too coincidental that just about every comment you make has a like immediately and some others are given 'reports' for even sensible and logical comments .. You keep asking people to look within and not oppose ... Why don't you try practicing what you preach my pal .,
Anyway , as for the as for the person with muscle spasms - take him to a clinic or buy him the medicine - don't give him money ..
Do we agree my pal ?
Case : A guy is having a muscle spasm & you people want to go to his Embassy ?? !!
How is that possible my pal ?
Have a heart for a such a poor soul who needs a quick medical attention & you play politics & teach a new lesson ........... not good at all ......
Muad, I am not into Reporting business, what ever I want to convey is also not reaching these guys , that's the situation at my side.
Why do you consider them such bad that somebody will report against Brit & WT ?
Do you have any basis ?
Molten: Good morning my pal.. First of all , thanks for giving BE and WT one ' report each ... Good to know that you aren't changing for Ramadan
Secondly , if a person is genuinely in need , then they can go to one of the registered charities or their embassy for help
This needs to sorted out, if the person is in urgent need ? ....................
Beggars in the "Richest Country in the World"? Come on, one of the statements must be a lie!
We all mean well, but it is better to give to a recognised charity, then these beggars....