Mahal residents blame outsiders for recent violence

Residents of Mahal, a historic locality in Nagpur, strongly reject claims that recent violence was due to local tensions. They believe that outside intruders are to blame. Local MLA Pravin Datke supports this idea, stating that the violence is not reflective of the community's long history of harmony. Mahal is known for its peaceful coexistence between different faiths, with both temples and mosques present. Long-time resident Ravindra Fadnavis highlighted the area's unique culture, saying that the school he represents has always enjoyed good relationships with people of all faiths. He emphasized that the problems came from outsiders, not from within the community. Irfan Ali, a leader in the Muslim community, shared similar sentiments. He has lived in Mahal since the 1970s and noted that there have been no issues with neighbors during that time. He also affirmed that the violence did not affect relationships in the community. Both Ali and Fadnavis agree that the recent disturbances were caused by individuals not connected to the area.