Mumbai Police Clarifies Ratan Tata’s Dog Goa Is Alive Amid Fake News

Photo : Instagram / @ratantata

A senior inspector from the Mumbai Police has confirmed that Ratan Tata’s pet dog, Goa, is alive and well, dispelling recent rumors circulating on social media. The clarification comes in response to a widely shared WhatsApp message falsely claiming that Goa passed away shortly after Tata’s death on October 9.

Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away late on October 9 at the age of 86 following a brief hospitalization. In the wake of his death, confusion erupted online regarding the fate of his beloved dog, Goa, with many believing the dog had also died.

Goa is known to be a permanent resident at Bombay House, the Tata Group's headquarters. He was a favorite among the many stray dogs that frequented the office and had a special bond with Ratan Tata. Goa was even brought to Tata’s funeral to pay his respects, participating in the Parsi ritual of Sagdid, which involves a dog being brought to view the deceased.

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Senior Police Inspector Sudhir Kudalkar addressed the misinformation in an Instagram post, stating that he verified the status of Goa directly with Shantanu Naidu, Ratan Tata’s assistant. Kudalkar, a well-known animal lover, received confirmation that Goa is in good health.

“I spoke with Shantanu Naidu, a close friend of Tata Ji, who assured me that Goa is doing fine,” Kudalkar explained. He urged the public to be cautious about believing unverified messages circulating on WhatsApp.

Inspector Kudalkar, stationed at the MHB Police Station in Borivali, is recognized for his commitment to animal welfare, often caring for and feeding stray animals, particularly dogs and cats, around his station. His compassion for animals has earned him accolades from organizations like PETA.

In light of the recent rumors, Kudalkar emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it, advising people to refrain from spreading unfounded claims without proper confirmation.