A violent clash occurred during a Durga idol immersion procession in Bahraich, leading to the death of one individual and injuries to many on October 13, 2024. Soon the clash turned into a massive nightmare for residents, with torched properties, charred vehicles, and melting trees adding horror to it.
To know the details of the clash and learn about the losses faced by the survivors, Miles2Smile traveled to Bahraich and its neighboring areas.
On entering the town we saw a sea of police spread over the area like ants, with their jeeps placed in every nook and cranny. With Barricaded and security points everywhere, we experienced tensed air moving to and fro. One going further we sensed the smell of charred vehicles, trees and properties.
Amid the deserted streets, closed shops and a few abandoned black properties we encountered the house of Sabit Ali. His house, once nestled among an E-rickshaw, a blanket business, and a cosmetic shop, has now turned into a heap of ashes and burned furniture.
Sabit Ali told Miles2Smile that he and his family were attending a local fair when they received word of an attack near their home. Fearing for their belongings, they rushed back to their residence but found themselves too late to secure their possessions.
Everything was destroyed; nothing was left. All we have are the clothes that we are wearing,” Sabit Ali said, speaking to Miles2Smile
“There’s nothing left to eat or drink; everything has been burned down,” Ali added
Sabit Ali further reported that their elderly, bedridden mother Sakina (85) was lying on the cot when the mob set it ablaze. Fortunately, they managed to save their mother, but the intense flames from the burning cot left her injured.
New Hopes and Fresh Livelihood
Miles2Smile promised Sabit Ali to rebuild his life like before and help earn happiness again. We traveled to Bahraich a month after the violence to fulfil the glimmer of hope that we gave him.
We gave Sabit Ali back his livelihood by purchasing an E-Rickshaw for him. “I am so thankful to Aasif bhai and Miles2Smile for the E-Rickshaw,” said Sabit Ali, with a broad smile on his face.
The happiness on his face made us realize how small acts of kindness can change someone’s life. A tear of hope and happiness welled up in his eye as he touched his E-rickshaw.
At Miles2Smile, we believe in spreading kindness in the lives of those who have lost it. We believe in rebuilding lives and restoring smiles.
Sabit Ali’s loss went beyond just the E-Rickshaw. His family endured losses that are hard to describe. Sabit Ali’s son, Akram Ali, lost his only source of income—his blanket business. Akram Ali’s wife, Nisa, also fell victim to the violence, losing the cosmetic shop she owned.
Miles2Smile helped them restore their smiles and live a life filled with happiness and renewed hope.
