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The recent passing of Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, sparked a wave of grief and remembrance. However, amidst this period of mourning, false information circulated online regarding the fate of his beloved pet dog, Goa. A message on WhatsApp, widely disseminated, claimed that Goa had died three days after Tata's passing on October 9th. This claim, however, was quickly debunked by senior police inspector Sudhir Kudalkar from the Mumbai Police, who confirmed that Goa is very much alive and well.
Goa, a permanent resident of the Tata Group's office at Bombay House, was said to be Ratan Tata's favorite amongst the numerous stray dogs that called the building their home. He was even brought to Tata's funeral as part of the Parsi ritual of Sagdid, where a dog is traditionally brought to view the deceased. This practice holds significance in Parsi culture, signifying the presence of a loyal companion throughout life and even beyond.
The widespread misinformation regarding Goa's demise prompted Kudalkar, known for his dedication to animal welfare, to take action. He personally verified the truth with Shantanu Naidu, a close friend and assistant of Ratan Tata. Naidu confirmed that Goa was indeed alive and well, putting an end to the rumors. Kudalkar, who regularly feeds and cares for stray animals around his station, has gained recognition for his compassionate efforts, earning accolades from organizations like PETA.
This incident highlights the dangers of unverified information spreading through social media platforms. While condolences poured in for Ratan Tata, the false news about his dog's death added unnecessary distress and sorrow. Kudalkar's swift action in clarifying the truth underscores the importance of fact-checking before sharing any information, especially in emotionally charged situations.
Source: Ratan Tata’s dog Goa is not dead: Mumbai cop flags fake news