In the wake of the passing of Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata, a flood of misinformation began circulating on social media, particularly on WhatsApp, claiming that his beloved dog, ‘Goa,’ had died just days after his master’s demise. These rumors, widely shared on various platforms, suggested that the pet passed away in grief, striking a chord with many animal lovers. However, this claim has been debunked as entirely false. The dog is alive and well, as confirmed by reliable sources.
Mumbai Police Officer Debunks the Fake News
Sudhir Kudalkar, a senior police officer in Mumbai known for his advocacy for animal welfare, took it upon himself to verify the viral message regarding Goa’s alleged death. Kudalkar shared a widely circulated WhatsApp forward that read, “Sad news…Tata’s pet dog GOA DIES AFTER 3 DAYS OF HIS DEATH… That’s why they say dogs are more faithful to their masters than human beings.” Upon seeing the message, Kudalkar reached out to Shantanu Naidu, a close aide and friend of the late Ratan Tata. Naidu confirmed that the news about Goa’s death was untrue and that the dog was in good health.
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Kudalkar took to Instagram to share the truth, stating: “A WhatsApp message is circulating about Late Ratan Tata Ji’s pet dog, Goa, passing away. I verified this with Shantanu Naidu, who confirmed that Goa is doing fine. Please verify facts before sharing posts.”
Ratan Tata’s Legacy and Love for Animals
Ratan Tata, a revered Indian industrialist and philanthropist, passed away on October 9, 2024, due to age-related issues at 86. Known for his incredible contributions to India’s industrial growth and charitable initiatives, Tata was also a dedicated animal lover. He adopted his dog, Goa, from the streets of Goa over a decade ago, during a visit to the state. His love for animals extended beyond his personal life—he recently built an animal hospital in Mahalakshmi, Mumbai, to care for stray and injured animals.
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In touching scenes at Tata’s funeral, images of Goa mourning beside his master’s coffin moved many, adding an emotional layer to the tributes paid to the late industrialist. However, the false news of Goa’s death has caused confusion and distress, prompting the need for clarification.
Beware of Fake News
This incident serves as a reminder to always verify facts before sharing information online, especially when it concerns sensitive topics. As confirmed by trusted sources, Ratan Tata’s beloved dog, Goa, is alive and well. Let this be a lesson in the importance of responsible sharing on social media.